Lasagna Casserole

Ingredients

This lasagna casserole recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and flavors. Feel free to swap out the Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative. Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Adjust the cheese blend to your liking, using ricotta instead of cottage cheese or adding a layer of provolone for a more intense taste. With just a few simple changes, you can create a lasagna casserole that’s perfectly tailored to your preferences.

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 lb penne pasta, or any pasta shape you prefer
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 tbs minced garlic
• 23 oz marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• 20 oz cottage cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

This lasagna casserole recipe is a testament to how comfort food can be both delicious and straightforward. Perfect for busy weeknights, it streamlines the traditional lasagna process into a simple, layered casserole that captures all the essential flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the steps to create this heartwarming dish!

1. Cook the pasta: To a large pot of boiling water, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large Dutch oven or skillet, add the Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Break up the sausage and cook over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Mix the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the egg, cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

To Make Now:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the marinara sausage sauce over the top of the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
3. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
4. Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy lasagna casserole!

Make It a Freezer Dinner:

Transforming this lasagna casserole into a freezer-friendly meal is a fantastic way to prepare ahead and enjoy a home-cooked dinner even on your busiest days. By following these simple steps, you can have a comforting, ready-to-bake casserole waiting in your freezer whenever you need it.

1. Assemble the casserole: Grease an aluminum 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the marinara sausage sauce over the top of the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce.
2. Freeze: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring there are no gaps. Freeze the casserole for up to 4 months. For best results, wrap the dish in an additional layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
3. Thaw: The night before you plan to bake the casserole, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
5. Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the convenience of a delicious, home-cooked meal that was ready whenever you needed it!

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can help you make informed choices and maintain a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional values for a serving of this lasagna casserole:

• Calories: 953 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 82 g
• Protein: 51 g
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.004 g
• Cholesterol: 154 mg
• Sodium: 2028 mg
• Potassium: 1011 mg
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 11 g
• Vitamin A: 1083 IU
• Vitamin C: 12 mg
• Calcium: 453 mg
• Iron: 4 mg

Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.