Easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe for Lazy Weeknights

Lasagna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Mouthwatering noodles, savory vegan meat, and creamy parmesan and mozzarella come together in this irresistible dish. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a new favorite at your table.

What is Lasagna Casserole?

A lasagna casserole is a variation of the classic Italian dish lasagna but prepared in a casserole dish rather than layered in a traditional lasagna pan. While the ingredients and flavors are similar to traditional lasagna, the preparation method may be slightly different.

Typically, a lasagna casserole involves layering cooked pasta with a rich and flavorful spaghetti sauce, along with a variety of fillings such as ground meat (like plant-based, beef, turkey, or sausage), vegetables, and cheese. These layers are then repeated until the casserole dish is filled, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

The casserole is then baked in the oven until the pasta is cooked through, the filling is heated, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Lasagna casserole is often served as a comforting and satisfying main dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

One advantage of making lasagna in casserole form is that it can be easier to assemble and serve, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when feeding a crowd. Additionally, the leftovers often reheat well, making it a great option for meal prep.

Why Lasagna Casserole is the perfect go to recipe

This easy lasagna casserole recipe gives you a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on busy nights when you have a lasagna craving and not much time to make one. But there are also more occasions when this is the perfect comfort food:

1. Lasagna casserole is perfect for family gatherings and dinners. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that everyone will love, making it ideal for bringing loved ones together around the table.
2. If you’re attending or hosting a potluck party, this dish is a great option. It can be made ahead of time, travels well, and feeds a crowd, making it a convenient and popular choice for potluck gatherings.
3. Ite is a celebratory dish that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Its indulgent flavors and comforting nature make it a standout dish for festive gatherings.
4. Lasagna casserole can be made in advance and portioned into individual servings for easy meal prep. Simply reheat leftovers throughout the week for quick and satisfying lunches or dinners.

Ultimately, the timing for making lasagna casserole depends on your preferences and schedule. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, planning a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, it is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions.

Which pasta for Lasagna Casserole instead of pasta sheets?

Instead of traditional lasagna noodles, you can use other types of pasta to create a delicious lasagna casserole. Some popular alternatives include:

1. Rotini: These spiral-shaped pasta noodles work well in lasagna casseroles, providing a unique texture and shape to each bite.
2. Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta) adds a charming look to your lasagna casserole and holds onto sauce and cheese beautifully.
3. Penne pasta’s tube-like shape holds sauce well, making it a great choice for lasagna casseroles. Plus, its small size is perfect for easy serving.
4. Ziti pasta is similar to penne but with a different shape, featuring straight-cut edges. It’s a hearty option that pairs wonderfully with meaty sauces.
5. Elbow macaroni or other small pasta shapes can be used for a fun twist on traditional lasagna, creating a comforting and nostalgic dish.

Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes to find the one that suits your taste preferences and the overall flavor profile of your lasagna casserole. Each type of pasta will bring its own texture and character to the dish, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

What ingredients go into Lasagna Casserole?

To prepare a delicious Lasagna Casserole, you will need several key ingredients. Firstly, you will need to select your preferred pasta, whether it be lasagna noodles or another type of pasta that you enjoy. Next, you will need one medium-sized onion and some minced garlic, which will add some great flavor to the dish. You will also need some olive oil.

For the filling, you will need some plant-based meat, which can be found at most grocery stores. Crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth will provide the base for the sauce, while oregano and dried parsley will add some extra flavor and depth. You will also need some vegan parmesan cheese and vegan mozzarella, which will be used to layer the casserole.

Finally, you’ll need to season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Once you have all of these ingredients, you can start preparing your Lasagna Casserole.

How to make Lasagna Casserole?

Start with bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your favorite pasta until it is al dente. Preheat oven to 380F.

Next, prepare the sauce. Dice the onion and mince the cloves of garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sautee onions with garlic. When they are slightly brown, add the meat. Let all cook on medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes. Give the tomato sauce to the skillet and season with oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Mix in the vegan parmesan and vegan mozzarella (reserve some for sprinkling over the top later) into the sauce. Let the cheese melt into the sauce on low heat. If it is a bit too thick, give half a cup of pasta water to it.

Drain the pasta, give it to the cheese sauce, and mix well. Get a casserole dish ready, then transfer the pasta mixture to it. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Put the unbaked casserole into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes.

What to serve Lasagna Casserole with?

Lasagna casserole pairs deliciously with a variety of sides and accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some options to consider:

• Serve warm slices of garlic bread alongside the lasagna casserole for a classic and comforting combination. The buttery, garlicky flavors complement the rich and savory lasagna perfectly.
• A crisp and fresh side salad is a great contrast to the hearty lasagna casserole. Consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite vinaigrette dressing.
• Lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color, nutrition, and freshness to the meal. Season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
• Antipasto Platter: Create a spread of Italian-inspired appetizers such as sliced cured meats, marinated olives, roasted peppers, and a selection of cheeses. This adds variety and indulgence to the meal.

• Crispy breadsticks are another excellent option for dipping into the sauce of the lasagna casserole. They’re fun to munch on and soak up any extra sauce on your plate.
• Serve roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices alongside the lasagna casserole for a hearty and satisfying side dish.
• For a refreshing and light option, consider serving a fruit salad with a variety of fresh seasonal fruits. It provides a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the lasagna.
• Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and cook an assortment of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Grilled vegetables add a smoky flavor and a delightful charred texture to the meal.

These side dish options complement the flavors and textures of the lasagna casserole while adding variety and balance to the meal. Choose one or more sides based on your preferences and enjoy a delicious and satisfying dining experience.

Other amazing pasta recipes to try

• Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe [creamy and simple]
• Creamy Lemon Pasta Recipe [easy, no cream, no butter]
• Tuna Pasta Salad
• Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Easy Casarecce Pasta Recipe with Spinach and Garlic

If you love this lazy Lasagna Casserole recipe, share your comments below, and on Instagram and Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.