Lazy Lasagna Casserole Bliss: A Cozy, Cheesy Hug Without the Layering Fuss!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured out with love:
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 24 oz jar of pasta sauce
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Garnish:
- Basil, chopped
I line it all up on my counter, and it’s like a lasagna feast waiting to happen. This makes 4-6 hearty servings—perfect for sharing or savoring solo, depending on my mood. It’s my roadmap to cheesy bliss. I always double-check my stash before I start—it’s my ritual to stay chill. Nothing’s worse than missing sauce mid-prep, right? Keeps me in the groove and ready to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Let’s get cozy—preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with oil (I love that warm prep!). Set aside—ready for action (my kitchen’s buzzing with bake vibes!). It’s the toasty kickoff—pure baking magic!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a pot—cook 2 cups uncooked penne pasta 1 minute less than package says—keep it al dente (my heart races for that chew!). Drain and set aside—pasta perfection (my kitchen’s steaming with pasta vibes!). It’s the tender base—pure penne joy!
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high—add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 chopped large yellow onion, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste (my kitchen smells like Italy!). Break beef apart—cook 7-8 minutes ‘til browned (my heart races for that sizzle!). It’s the savory heart—pure beefy delight!
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in 1 cup cottage cheese—mix well (my kitchen’s a creamy haven!). It’s the lush twist—pure cheesy magic!
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
Pour in 24 oz jar of pasta sauce—stir it up (my heart races for that tang!). Add cooked pasta—combine everything (my kitchen’s a sauce dream!). It’s coming together—pure lasagna bliss!
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer to the casserole dish—level it out—top with 8 oz shredded mozzarella (my heart races for that cheesy blanket!). Bake 15 minutes ‘til cheese is bubbly and golden on edges (that first bite’s pure joy, and you made it happen!). Pull from oven—smells like comfort (my table’s a feast!). It’s the melty finish—pure baked delight!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped basil—serve hot (my kitchen’s a pasta haven!). Dig in—pure saucy joy!