Favorite Lazy Lasagna
A comforting, easy-to-make lasagna casserole layered with noodles, cottage cheese, hamburger, and mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger; drain.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Butter a large shallow casserole dish.
- Layer half of the cooked noodles on the bottom of the casserole.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese over the noodles.
- Sprinkle half of the browned hamburger over the cottage cheese.
- Place half of the sliced mozzarella over the hamburger and top with half of the spaghetti sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, cottage cheese, hamburger, mozzarella, and sauce.
- End with a layer of sliced mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic to the hamburger while browning. You can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles. For a veggie boost, layer in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms, which work well with these Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This lazy lasagna pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich lasagna nicely. For a heartier option, serve with roasted vegetables or a side of Zucchini And Sausage Italiano for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Lazy Lasagna contains roughly 304 calories, with 16g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 516mg per serving (22% 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 use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for hamburger if you're looking for a leaner option. It will still provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce and cheese. Just be sure not to overcook it to keep it moist.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this lasagna, simply omit the hamburger and add layers of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add more cottage cheese or a mix of ricotta and spinach for extra flavor.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but uncooked lasagna. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake straight from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it's heated through.
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).