This easy lazy lasagna casserole with ricotta cheese recipe is my kids’ favorite meal! No big messy noodles to cut, just throw it all together and enjoy all the same flavors together. Just like our popular Crockpot lasagna casserole but this one doesn’t have to cook all day!
Of course we have all made lasagna, and we’ve made casseroles…but have you made them together like this cheesy and easy lasagna casserole recipe??!! Well, I hadn’t but since I’ve been all about quick and easy casseroles nowadays I thought why not! (post may contain affiliate links present)
What is Lazy Lasagna?
Like our pressure cooker lasagna casserole these dishes are deconstructed without the long slippery noodles that always tare. Instead you use smaller penne style with the same cheeses and spaghetti sauce to bake together in a casserole dish. Same flavors, different look, and easier!
If your looking for a cheesy casserole your family will love this is a great one. You can use any sort of medium size noodles you want. I just use whatever brand and/or style are on sale since it really doesn’t matter. So I’ve deconstructed this traditional Italian meal and made enchilada lasagna, which was a hit, and for years I made our easy crockpot lasagna recipe that everyone just loved.
That too was much easier than how I had made it in the past since you didn’t have to boil the noodles but I really like bite sized noodles (and they’re easier with kids) so I used a box of penne pasta this time.
Ingredients
- Jar of spaghetti sauce with meat sauce we like
- Noodles – we used penne
- Onions diced are nice but optional
- Mushrooms as well but give a nice flavor
- Parmesan cheese is great
- Ricotta is a given with this dish
- Eggs keep it all together
- Cottage cheese bakes up stringy and ooey gooey
- Mozzarella cheese of course
- Sour cream, surprising but true
- Salt and black pepper to taste once done
Variations
Use whatever type of ground meat you want, or go for vegetarian. Sausage – spicy Jimmy Dean sausage roll is great and packed with flavor (with a little heat). Sometimes when I make this or our ShipWreck Casserole I will use half and half so it has medium heat, but still some.
I tend to under season a bit when I cook (husband has blood pressure on the higher side), so if you like it really seasoned you might want to add a bit more seasoning and/or salt. You could use more of an alfredo sauce like our Vegetable Lasagna with white sauce too.
Do you have to boil noodles to make lazy lasagna?
For this one you would. If you wanted to make everything together in a large pot on the stove you would follow our Lazy One Pot Spaghetti, with these noodles instead. When done, pour it into a baking dish with cheese to bake.
How do you stop lasagne from being sloppy?
Use smaller noodles like we did here! Makes eating it a lot easier with less mess. You are going to start off by boiling some medium or small noodles as usual in a pot, drain and set aside.
I like to keep them just a bit al dente since they will bake a bit longer in the pot with sauce and in the oven too. You are NOT going to use traditional large lasagna noodles for this, medium shells work best I think.
How to Make Lazy Lasagna with Penne
- In another larger pot cook your sausage or ground beef over medium heat.
- Then add onions and cook until sausage is no longer pink and onions soften a bit.
- Add your spaghetti or marinara sauce, turn heat to low. Stir.
- Add all other ingredients into your pot except 1 c. of mozzarella cheese (that will be used at the end to top your casserole).
- Add your cooked pasta that has been drained.
- Stir pasta mixture pour ricotta mixture into 9×12 baking dish (I spray with non stick spray beforehand).
- Put aluminum foil on top of pasta casserole and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes just until it bubbles.
- Take foil off, sprinkle last cups mozzarella cheese on top (could add parmesan cheese too) and put back in for 5 minutes.
Can you use frozen ravioli instead of penne?
Before I have made used small raviolis instead of just plain pasta! You can refer to our Lasagna with frozen ravioli for that one. Still deconstructed in a sense that you don’t need to boil noodles ahead of time, just throw them in still frozen.
1. Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley into your sauce or cheese mixture. These herbs add a burst of aroma and flavor that can brighten up the dish.
2. Adding minced or roasted garlic to your sauce layers can deepen the overall flavor profile of the lasagna.
3. For a touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into your sauce or cheese mixture. This adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
4. Incorporate sautéed or blanched spinach or kale layers between the noodles for extra color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor.
5. Customize your ricotta cheese mixture by adding ingredients like grated Parmesan, lemon zest, or a pinch of nutmeg. These additions can enhance the creaminess and complexity of the filling.
6. Experiment with a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, fontina, cheddar, or provolone. A blend of cheeses can create a more dynamic flavor profile.
autéed mushrooms add a rich and earthy taste to the lasagna. You can layer them with the sauce and cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Incorporate caramelized onions into your sauce or as a layer between the noodles. Their sweetness can balance the savory elements of the dish.
7. If you’re making a meat lasagna, consider using a combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage for a more complex flavor. You can also try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
8. Adding a splash of red wine to your sauce can impart a depth of flavor and complexity. Be sure to cook off the alcohol before assembling the lasagna.
9. Chopped or sliced roasted red peppers can add a hint of smokiness and a touch of sweetness to the lasagna.
10. Thinly sliced and grilled or roasted eggplant or zucchini can be used for additional layers, providing a delightful texture and a hint of earthiness.
11. Layering a thin spread of pesto between the noodles can infuse the lasagna with a burst of fresh herb and nutty flavors.
Drizzling a balsamic glaze over the top of the baked lasagna just before serving can add a tangy sweetness that balances the richness. Remember that balance is key when adding ingredients to lasagna. Don’t overcrowd the dish with too many flavors. Jump to recipe and get started.
Lazy Lasagna Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9×13 pan or casserole dish
- 1 pot
Ingredients
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 10 oz noodles, I used penne
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 c mushrooms, quartered, optional
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 c parmesan
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 c ricotta
- 1/3 c cottage cheese
- 1/2 c sour cream
- 2 c mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 pkg sausage, spicy version best, I used Jimmy Dean, 16 oz.
Instructions
- Boil noodles as usual in a pot until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In another pot cook your sausage, then add onions and cook until sausage is no longer pink and onions soften a bit.
- Add your spaghetti sauce in with sausage, turn heat to low. Stir.
- Add all other ingredients into your pot too except 1 c. of mozzarella cheese (that will be used at the end to top your casserole).
- Stir in your cooked and drained noodles. Stir, pour into 9×12 casserole dish (I spray with non stick spray beforehand).
- Put aluminum foil on top of dish and cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees just until it bubbles.
- Take foil off, sprinkle last cup of cheese on top and put back in for 5 minutes. Serve!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Lasagna stew easy and delicious. I will save the recipe to cook this dish.
yay!
If I made this meatless would I need to add anything else or change the cook time?
I probably would keep timing the same.
Snacks are great, I will learn to do it to enjoy. Thank you for sharing the formula
Very useful info, thanks
This decontructed version of my favorite is sure to become a new family favorite. Can’t wait to try!
These look so delicious! I HAVE to try them.
It’s yummy!