Lasagna-Style Casserole
A hearty lasagna-style casserole featuring tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich cheeses, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta until tender; drain.
- Fry ground beef until browned; drain off fat.
- Add pizza sauce, minced dry onion, and crushed basil to the beef and mix well.
- In a bowl, combine beaten egg with Ricotta or cottage cheese.
- In a greased 12 x 9 1/2 x 2-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Layer remaining pasta, then the meat mixture, and top with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake, covered, at 425°F for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding some sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will absorb some sauce while baking. For added flavor, you can mix in some Italian sausage or use homemade All-Purpose Italian Sauce instead of pizza sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna-style casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Speed-O Minestrone Soup for a comforting Italian dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through. For a quick reheating option, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna-Style Casserole contains roughly 520 calories, with 28g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 929mg per serving (40% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the layers, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Can I freeze the lasagna-style casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the original baking instructions.
What type of cheese can I substitute?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese is a great substitute. For a different flavor, you can also use mascarpone or cream cheese. Just keep in mind that each option will slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish.
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).