One-Pan Ricotta Lasagna Casserole Recipe

This easy, lazy lasagna casserole delivers the cheesy, meaty comfort of traditional lasagna with far less fuss. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner that works well for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family.

If you enjoy easy baked pasta dishes, try other simple dinners like baked ziti with meatballs, cheeseburger macaroni, sloppy Joe casserole, or lasagna roll ups.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Lasagna Casserole

STEP ONE – Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

STEP TWO – Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Aim to undercook by about 1 minute so it finishes cooking in the oven.

STEP THREE – In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.

STEP FOUR – Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, milk, and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

STEP FIVE – In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.

STEP SIX – In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta in an even layer. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then spread the ricotta mixture across the top.

STEP SEVEN – Add the remaining pasta and then the rest of the meat sauce, spreading to cover evenly.

STEP EIGHT – Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the casserole.

STEP NINE – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

STEP TEN – Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving so the layers set.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When baking from chilled, you may need an extra 5–10 minutes to reach the same bubbly, golden finish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover lasagna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1–2 minutes until hot.

To freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Description

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain, leaving it slightly undercooked so it finishes in the oven.
3. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, milk, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper until combined.
6. Layer half the pasta in the dish, top with half the meat sauce, then spread the ricotta mixture over it.
7. Add the remaining pasta and meat sauce on top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups mozzarella over the casserole.
9. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Oven Baked
• Cuisine: American