Lazy Lasagna

Need an easy dinner idea that the whole family will devour? This Lazy Lasagna recipe has all the cheesy, meaty flavor of homemade lasagna – without the hours of layering or baking. With just one pan and a few pantry staples, dinner's ready in under 45 minutes!

Busy weeknights call for easy dinners, and this Lazy Lasagna is one of my most popular recipes! This one-pot pasta dish is ready in under 45 minutes, cheesy, meaty, and fully customizable for the entire family. Love baked pasta? Try my Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole or Creamy Baked Ziti too!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Customizable: Change up the type of pasta, protein, or sauce to fit your taste.
• Freezer Friendly: Make ahead for an easy freezer meal or gift to new parents and friends.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in 45 minutes or less – perfect for weeknights.
• Family Favorite: All the flavors of lasagna in a cozy pasta everyone loves.

Craving more cheesy comfort? Try my One-Pot Lasagna Soup or Lasagna Stuffed Shells!

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.

• Pasta Sauce– Use your favorite spaghetti sauce (store-bought or homemade). Alfredo sauce also works for a creamy twist.
• Cheeses– Cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan create that classic melty texture. For a richer version, use ricotta cheese or cream cheese.
• Pasta– Spiral noodles work great, but you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even frozen ravioli.
• Protein– Ground beef is classic like in my Italian Noodle Casserole, but Italian sausage, ground turkey, or shredded chicken all work too.

Variations

• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or diced carrots.
• Flavor Twists: Try Italian seasoning, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Make-Ahead Meal: Assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead, then bake when ready.

💡 Pro Tip: This is an egg-free lasagna that's easy to make gluten-free or low-sodium – great for family members with dietary preferences.

How to Make Lazy Lasagna

Step 1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, and salt over medium heat. Drain grease.

Step 2. Stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer until heated. Remove 1 cup of the sauce and set aside.

Step 3. Stir cooked noodles into the remaining sauce.

Step 4. Spread half the noodle mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with cottage cheese and 1 cup mozzarella.

Step 5. Add the remaining noodles, top with reserved meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Step 6. Bake covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Storage, Serving & Freezer Tips

This recipe keeps beautifully and tastes even better the next day!

• Store: In an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Line your baking dish with foil, assemble, and freeze unbaked up to 3 months. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• Reheat: From frozen, bake covered for 10-15 minutes longer.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with Black Angus Cheesy Garlic Bread for the ultimate comfort combo. Add Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus or Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans for extra veggies. Serve with a crisp green salad and Italian dressing for balance.

Lazy Lasagna Recipe FAQs

More Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

When life gets busy, this Lazy Lasagna is your weeknight hero! Warm, cheesy, and easy to make – it's comfort food the whole family will love.

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