Description
An easy and quick version of traditional lasagna that’s baked in one dish, perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 ounces campanelle (or penne, ziti, or medium shells)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper (divided)
- 25 ounces marinara sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta one minute shy of the package directions, drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the beef, onion, and ½ teaspoon of minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the grease and return the pan to the heat.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper; cook while stirring for a minute or two.
- Add the marinara sauce and water, letting it simmer until warmed through.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, then remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a bowl, stir together ricotta and egg until smooth. Mix in half of the mozzarella, remaining garlic, half of the Parmesan, parsley, and remaining pepper.
- Layer half of the beef/pasta mixture in the baking dish, spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture on top, then cover with the remaining beef/pasta mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg