Lazy Day Lasagna

There’s something magical about lasagna. It’s one of those comfort foods that instantly makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, cheesy hug. But let’s be honest—traditional lasagna isn’t exactly a weeknight-friendly dish. Between cooking the noodles, making the sauce from scratch, layering everything just right, and then baking it forever… well, some nights you just don’t have that kind of time.

That’s where this Lazy Day Lasagna comes in. It’s everything you love about classic lasagna—savory meat sauce, tender pasta, gooey cheese—without all the extra steps. No need to fuss over layering or boiling lasagna sheets. This recipe is designed for busy families, tired cooks, and anyone who craves a hearty homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

I’ve made this more times than I can count, especially on those nights when I just want to get dinner on the table without losing my mind. It’s quick to throw together, uses pantry staples, and still delivers that comforting, rich lasagna flavor we all love. And if you’ve got picky eaters at home? Trust me, they’re going to devour this.

Let’s dive into this ridiculously easy, absolutely delicious Lazy Day Lasagna recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this cozy casserole come together:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 8 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

This is one of those recipes where you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand—and if not, they’re easy to grab during a quick grocery run. You can even tweak it based on what’s in your fridge (more on that in Part 2).

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: PART ONE

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks later.

I like to do this step right at the beginning, so I’m not waiting on the oven once everything’s ready to go in.

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Step 2: Cook the Meat and Onion

In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage with 1 diced small onion over medium heat. You’ll want to cook it until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat. This helps keep the final dish from getting too greasy. Then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.

This step builds the foundation of flavor. Don’t rush it—the combo of meat, onion, and garlic is what gives the dish that deep, savory base.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasoning

Pour in your 24-ounce jar of marinara or pasta sauce—whatever your favorite brand is works great here. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for about 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly and lets the flavors meld.

If you’re in a real rush, you can skip the simmer and just mix everything together—but even a few minutes on the stove makes a big difference in flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is simmering, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz of rotini or penne pasta until it’s just shy of al dente. You want it slightly undercooked because it’ll continue to cook in the oven.

Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook it at this stage—mushy pasta won’t hold up well once baked.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Sauce, and Ricotta

Now it’s time to bring everything together! In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with your meat sauce and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated and the ricotta is well distributed.

This mixture is creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor—and we haven’t even added the cheese topping yet!

Now that we’ve prepped our meat sauce, cooked the pasta, and stirred in that creamy ricotta, it’s time to move on to the best part—the cheesy bake. This is where all the flavors come together in a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that smells like heaven and tastes even better.

This recipe is truly made for those nights when you need dinner to be delicious and easy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting casual company, or just need something satisfying after a long day, Lazy Day Lasagna always delivers. And the best part? It only takes a few minutes of hands-on time before the oven does the rest.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: PART TWO

Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna Bake

Take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

This isn’t a traditional layered lasagna—it’s more like a pasta casserole, which is what makes it so quick and simple. No need to fuss with perfect layers or worrying about noodles tearing. Just mix, dump, and spread.

Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping

Now for the magic touch—2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle both cheeses generously over the top of the pasta mixture. The mozzarella gives you that melty, stretchy cheese pull, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite that balances everything out.

If you like a little crispiness on top, feel free to add a bit more Parmesan. No one has ever complained about extra cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into your preheated 375°F oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with little golden spots across the top.

Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on it near the end. You want that cheese nice and melted but not overly browned.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Once it’s out of the oven, give your lasagna 5 minutes to rest before serving. This helps the cheese and sauce settle slightly so you’re not scooping out a hot, slippery mess.

Use this time to toss together a quick side salad or warm up some garlic bread—this dish pairs perfectly with something green or crunchy on the side.

Helpful Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the base recipe, here are a few tips and tweaks to make this Lazy Day Lasagna even more flexible:

• Swap the Meat: If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey works great. You can also use ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute. Italian sausage adds great flavor too—mild or spicy, depending on your preference.

• Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Ricotta: This is a common swap and works especially well if you’re trying to lighten things up. Cottage cheese has a milder flavor and adds great creaminess.

• Try Different Pasta Shapes: Rotini and penne work beautifully, but don’t be afraid to use whatever pasta you have on hand—ziti, fusilli, even broken lasagna noodles. Just aim for a shape that holds sauce well.

• Add Some Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Stir in a handful of chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the sauce before mixing everything together. Just sauté them with the onions to soften them up.

• Make It Ahead: One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s freezer-friendly. You can assemble the whole thing in advance, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.