Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this lasagna casserole! It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and ooey-gooey cheese that just melts in your mouth. I love making this for family gatherings or cozy nights at home because it’s truly a labor of love that everyone adores. Each layer is a delightful surprise, and the smell that wafts through the kitchen while it bakes? Absolutely heavenly! Trust me, once you try this lasagna casserole, you’ll be hooked and ready to share it with all your loved ones!

Ingredients List

To create this delightful lasagna casserole, gather the following ingredients, making sure to prep them as noted:

• 12 lasagna noodles (cook according to package instructions)
• 1 pound ground beef (browned and crumbled)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (remove casing and crumble)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating those luscious layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go so you can layer up and dive into that cheesy goodness!

How to Prepare Lasagna Casserole

Preheat and Cook Noodles

First things first, let’s get the oven warmed up! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes until they’re al dente. Trust me, don’t overcook them! They’ll continue to soften in the oven. Once done, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. This little trick will save you from the dreaded noodle clump!

Prepare the Meat Sauce

Now, let’s dive into the heart of our lasagna: the meat sauce! In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and sauté it until it’s translucent—about 5 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it’s fragrant. Next, add the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage, stirring until everything is nicely browned, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then stir in those luscious crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes so all those flavors can meld together beautifully. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Assemble the Lasagna Casserole

Now for the fun part—layering! Grab your baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay down 3 lasagna noodles, followed by a generous scoop of the ricotta mixture (made by combining ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and half of the Parmesan). Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top, then repeat the layers—meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella—until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan. Make sure to distribute each layer evenly; this will help everything meld together nicely while baking!

Bake to Perfection

Cover your masterpiece with foil (to prevent it from browning too quickly) and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Ah, that golden top is what we’re after! Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive right in—let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice into that beautiful lasagna casserole. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, this lasagna casserole is a game changer! It’s the ultimate comfort food, and here’s why you’re going to love it:

• It’s super easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
• The layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese are downright irresistible.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser, so you can serve it at family gatherings and watch everyone dig in.
• You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or protein options.
• This dish also makes great leftovers—if there’s any left, that is!

Tips for Success

To ensure your lasagna casserole turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the resting time after baking. It really helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. If you want an extra creamy texture, consider adding a layer of béchamel sauce between the ricotta and the meat sauce—trust me, it takes it to a whole new level!

When it comes to the cheese, feel free to mix it up! I love using a blend of mozzarella and provolone for added flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for a twist. For serving, pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. Also, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container—this lasagna casserole tastes even better the next day!

Variations

The beauty of this lasagna casserole is that it’s incredibly versatile! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the meat with layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers, or even add some spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.

Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the ricotta for cottage cheese or a vegan alternative if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version. You can also experiment with different cheese blends—mix in some smoked mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. For each serving of this lasagna casserole, you can expect around 450 calories, 25g of fat, 30g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Always check your ingredients for the most accurate info!

FAQ Section

Got questions about this delicious lasagna casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:

Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Keep any leftover lasagna casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

How do I reheat it?
To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover it with foil if you’re using the oven to keep it moist.

Can I substitute the meat?
Yes! Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or go completely vegetarian by replacing the meat with your favorite veggies, like roasted zucchini or spinach.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No problem! You can substitute it with cottage cheese or even a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try making this lasagna casserole! It’s such a heartwarming dish that brings everyone together. If you give it a shot, please share your thoughts or any tweaks you made in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your delicious experiences!

Lasagna Casserole: 5 Steps to Comfort Food Bliss

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty lasagna casserole baked to perfection, layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add minced garlic, ground beef, and Italian sausage. Cook until browned.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
6. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
8. Top with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
10. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Try adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: lasagna casserole, Italian cuisine, baked pasta, comfort food