Quick Lasagne Casserole
A quick and hearty lasagne casserole with savory beef, fresh green onions, and cheesy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners and satisfying family cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 3 to 6 green onions, chopped with tops included ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can tomato bits
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. wide noodles ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped green onions and cook lightly.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato bits, salt, pepper, sugar, oregano, basil, and garlic; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine cooked wide noodles, cottage cheese, and sour cream in a bowl.
- Serve the meat sauce over the noodle mixture and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of wide noodles, which eliminates the need for pre-cooking. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider blending in ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese. For added flavor, incorporate some grated Parmesan into the meat sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Quick Lasagne Casserole with a side salad for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a light Italian vegetable dish makes a perfect accompaniment. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Lasagne Casserole contains roughly 411 calories, with 19g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (164% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and calcium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 957mg per serving (42% 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 ahead of time by assembling it and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cottage cheese is traditional, you can experiment with ricotta or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Mixing in some shredded mozzarella on top before baking can create a delightful cheesy crust that adds to the overall texture and taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a meat substitute. You can also add spinach or other vegetables to enhance the nutrition and flavor, making it a satisfying meal for non-meat eaters.
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).