Baked Lasagne Casserole
A hearty baked lasagne casserole layered with seasoned beef, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 c water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 10 to 12 oz lasagne noodles
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- small container cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb Mozzarella grated ⓘ
- 1/2 lb American cheese ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with olive oil, minced onion, garlic salt, and chopped parsley in a large skillet.
- Add tomato paste, water, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cook lasagne noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and combine with cottage cheese.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese mixture, and grated mozzarella in a casserole dish.
- Top with American cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagne noodles to skip the cooking step. Pair this dish with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
This baked lasagne casserole is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks and pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside Italian recipes like Meatballs In Italian Sauce. Don't forget to sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked lasagne casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lasagne Casserole contains roughly 586 calories, with 17g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 665mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is an excellent substitute and will provide a creamier texture. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to achieve a similar consistency, making it a great alternative for this recipe.
Can I freeze the baked lasagne casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven, or you can bake it from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).