Lazy Lasagne
Lazy Lasagne offers a quick, hearty twist on classic Italian flavors, combining pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese in a convenient bake. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers comforting, cheesy goodness with minimal effort, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini noodles ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dehydrated chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- pinch of thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Mozzarella ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotini noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add water and tomato sauce to the cooked beef, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, dehydrated chopped onion, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, marjoram, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and black pepper.
- Mix in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked rotini noodles. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even a plant-based option for a lighter dish. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones if you have them on hand; just adjust the amounts accordingly. This Lazy Lasagne is also great for using up leftover vegetables or meats from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lazy Lasagne with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil can enhance its flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with My Best Lasagna for a delicious Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Lasagne contains roughly 852 calories, with 44g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (268% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1961mg per serving (85% 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 Lazy Lasagne a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce. For a twist, try adding some pesto for flavor. Just adjust the seasoning based on the sauce you choose.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You might also add some lentils for protein. Adjust the seasoning to ensure it’s flavorful and hearty.
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).