Lazy Day Lasagna is truly a weeknight hero—imagine all the comfort of classic lasagna, but with a fraction of the effort! This dish gathers all the beloved flavors and cheesy layers of traditional lasagna, yet cleverly skips the fussy assembly. Saucy ground beef, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and bubbling cheeses come together in a single baking dish for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for families, guests, or even just a much-needed easy dinner for yourself. Whether you’re a lasagna-lover or just want a new recipe to add to your dinner rotation, this simplified version makes homemade comfort more accessible than ever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple ingredients, making Lazy Day Lasagna is as easy as it is satisfying. Every component plays an important part, from the rich sauce to the gooey cheese and the hearty pasta—all joining forces for that irresistible flavor and texture we adore in lasagna.
- Ground Beef: Gives the dish heartiness and a rich, savory base you expect from lasagna.
- Onion (chopped): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness to balance the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): For a fragrant pop that enhances all the Italian flavors.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: Choose your favorite jar for both convenience and luscious tomato flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes (drained): Brings texture and extra tomato goodness to the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic herb blend that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the taste.
- Rotini or Penne Pasta (uncooked): These shapes hold onto the sauce and cheese perfectly—no need for lasagna noodles!
- Ricotta Cheese: The creamy layer that makes each bite of Lazy Day Lasagna irresistible.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to create that bubbly, stringy cheese pull we all crave.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish on top.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A burst of fresh color and flavor to brighten the final dish.
How to Make Lazy Day Lasagna
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake. Gather your ingredients and chop the onion and garlic to save time later—once you get going, Lazy Day Lasagna comes together quickly!
Step 2: Cook the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up as you go. When the beef is browned and the onions are soft, add the garlic and cook for just a minute more until fragrant. This step infuses the sauce with loads of savory flavor—the foundation of every tasty lasagna.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now, stir in your favorite marinara or pasta sauce, along with the drained diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. This melding time helps the flavors come together, and you’ll end up with a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon.
Step 4: Boil the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the rotini or penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Be sure not to overcook—the pasta will soften further as it bakes, soaking up all that saucy goodness. Drain it well.
Step 5: Mix Pasta, Sauce, and Ricotta
Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the beautiful meat sauce and add the creamy ricotta cheese. Give everything a good toss so every piece of pasta is coated, and you get ricotta in every delicious bite of Lazy Day Lasagna.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top, then finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan for that classic, golden-baked crust.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cheese melt. For that irresistible golden finish, remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly browned. Let the lasagna rest for about 5 minutes when it comes out—this gives it time to set and makes serving so much easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if you want a final pop of color and freshness!
How to Serve Lazy Day Lasagna
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top instantly brightens up Lazy Day Lasagna, making it feel as special as the classic layered version. You can also add extra Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat. Those pops of color and flavor right before serving take this shortcut lasagna from comforting to truly restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This lasagna shines alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Add a side of warm garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every bit of saucy goodness. Roasted vegetables, especially zucchini or broccoli, complement the hearty, cheesy layers of Lazy Day Lasagna perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family dinners, just scoop generous servings straight from the baking dish. Hosting guests? Dish out squares onto warmed plates and drizzle with a little extra sauce, or serve individual portions in small ramekins for a fun, personal touch. You can even make mini versions using muffin tins—perfect for lunchboxes or entertaining!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lazy Day Lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. The flavors actually deepen, making those leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
One of the joys of Lazy Day Lasagna is how well it freezes. Wrap the cooled casserole (whole or in slices) securely in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Label and date the package so you always know you have a comforting meal on standby.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Place leftovers (covered) in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes for a whole casserole or less for single servings. For an extra melty top, remove the foil for the last few minutes or pop individual servings in the microwave for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten things up—just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. Sauté as directed, and you may want to add a splash of olive oil since poultry is leaner.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a great stand-in for ricotta in Lazy Day Lasagna. If you have neither, try a mixture of cream cheese and a little milk for that same creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully. Fold them into the meat sauce or scatter into the pasta mixture before baking for added flavor and nutrients.
Why not use traditional lasagna noodles?
Using rotini or penne makes Lazy Day Lasagna incredibly easy and quick—no need to fuss with layering or boiling stiff noodles. The short pasta shapes soak up the sauce and cheese, giving you all the classic flavors with way less effort.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free rotini or penne. Everything else in Lazy Day Lasagna is naturally gluten-free, so just this simple swap will make it safe and equally scrumptious.
Final Thoughts
If cozy, cheesy, and easy are your love languages in the kitchen, Lazy Day Lasagna deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together with minimal fuss. So give it a try—you might just find yourself wondering why you ever made lasagna the old way!
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Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lazy Day Lasagna is the perfect solution for when you’re craving a comforting pasta dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With layers of pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of cheese, this easy baked lasagna is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Lasagna Layers:
- 8 ounces uncooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and cook meat: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Add garlic, then stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Combine and bake: Mix pasta with meat sauce and ricotta. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let lasagna rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese.
- This dish is great for meal prep and freezes well.
- Feel free to add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
