This easy lazy lasagna casserole with ricotta cheese recipe is our kids' favorite meal! No big messy noodles to cut, throw it all together and enjoy all the same flavors together. like our popular Crockpot lasagna casserole but this one doesn't have to cook all day!

Of course we have all made lasagna, and we've made casseroles…but have you made them together like this cheesy and easy lasagna casserole recipe??!! Well, we hadn't but since we've been all about quick and easy casseroles nowadays we thought why not! (post may contain affiliate links present)

What is Lazy Lasagna?

Like our pressure cooker lasagna casserole these dishes are deconstructed without the long slippery noodles that always tare. Instead you use smaller penne style with the same cheeses and spaghetti sauce to bake together in a casserole dish. Same flavors, different look, and easier!

If your looking for a cheesy casserole your family will love this is a great one. You can use any sort of medium size noodles you want. We use whatever brand and/or style are on sale since it doesn't matter. So we've deconstructed this traditional Italian meal and made enchilada lasagna, which was a hit, and for years we made our easy crockpot lasagna recipe that everyone loved.

That too was much easier than how we had made it in the past since you didn't have to boil the noodles but we like bite sized noodles (and they're easier with kids) so we used a box of penne pasta this time.

Ingredients

Jar of spaghetti sauce with meat sauce we like
Noodles – we used penne
Onions diced are nice but optional
Mushrooms as well but give a nice flavor
Parmesan cheese is great
Ricotta is a given with this dish
Eggs keep it all together
Cottage cheese bakes up stringy and ooey gooey
Mozzarella cheese of course
Sour creamsurprising but true
Salt and black pepper to taste once done

Swaps

Use whatever type of ground meat you want, or go for vegetarian. Sausage – spicy Jimmy Dean sausage roll is great and packed with flavor (with a little heat). Sometimes when we make this or our ShipWreck Casserole We will use half and half so it has medium heat, but still some.

We tend to under season a bit when we cook (husband has blood pressure on the higher side), so if you like it seasoned you might want to add a bit more seasoning and/or salt. You could use more of an alfredo sauce like our Vegetable Lasagna with white sauce too.

Do you have to boil noodles to make lazy lasagna?

For this one you would. If you wanted to make everything together in a large pot on the stove you would follow our One Pot Spaghettiwith these noodles instead. When done, pour it into a baking dish with cheese to bake.

How do you stop lasagne from being sloppy?

Use smaller noodles like we did here! Makes eating it a lot easier with less mess. You are going to start off by boiling some medium or small noodles as usual in a pot, drain and set aside.

We like to keep them a bit al dente since they will bake a bit longer in the pot with sauce and in the oven too. You are NOT going to use traditional large lasagna noodles for this, medium shells work best we think.

How to Make Lazy Lasagna with Penne

In another larger pot cook your sausage or ground beef over medium heat.
Then add onions and cook until sausage is no longer pink and onions soften a bit.
Add your spaghetti or marinara sauce, turn heat to low. Stir.
Add all other ingredients into your pot except 1 c. of mozzarella cheese (that will be used at the end to top your casserole).
Add your cooked pasta that has been drained.
Stir pasta mixture pour ricotta mixture into 9×12 baking dish (we spray with non stick spray beforehand).
Put aluminum foil on top of pasta casserole and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes until it bubbles.
Take foil off, sprinkle last cups mozzarella cheese on top (could add parmesan cheese too) and put back in for 5 minutes.

Can you use frozen ravioli instead of penne?

Before we have made used small raviolis instead of plain pasta! You can refer to our ravioli lasagna with frozen ravioli for that one. Still deconstructed in a sense that you don't need to boil noodles ahead of time, throw them in still frozen.

What can we add to lasagna to make it better?

1. Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley into your sauce or cheese mixture. These herbs add a burst of aroma and flavor that can brighten up the dish.2. Adding minced or roasted garlic to your sauce layers can deepen the overall flavor profile of the lasagna.3. For a touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into your sauce or cheese mixture. This adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.4. Incorporate sautéed or blanched spinach or kale layers between the noodles for extra color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor.5. Customize your ricotta cheese mixture by adding ingredients like grated Parmesan, lemon zest, or a pinch of nutmeg. These additions can enhance the creaminess and complexity of the filling.6. Experiment with a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, fontina, cheddar, or provolone. A blend of cheeses can create a more dynamic flavor profile.autéed mushrooms add a rich and earthy taste to the lasagna. You can layer them with the sauce and cheese for an extra layer of flavor.Incorporate caramelized onions into your sauce or as a layer between the noodles. Their sweetness can balance the savory elements of the dish.7. If you're making a meat lasagna, consider using a combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage for a more complex flavor. You can also try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.8. Adding a splash of red wine to your sauce can impart a depth of flavor and complexity. Be sure to cook off the alcohol before assembling the lasagna.9. Chopped or sliced roasted red peppers can add a hint of smokiness and a touch of sweetness to the lasagna.10. Thinly sliced and grilled or roasted eggplant or zucchini can be used for additional layers, providing a delightful texture and a hint of earthiness.11. Layering a thin spread of pesto between the noodles can infuse the lasagna with a burst of fresh herb and nutty flavors.

Drizzling a balsamic glaze over the top of the baked lasagna before serving can add a tangy sweetness that balances the richness. Remember that balance is key when adding ingredients to lasagna. Don't overcrowd the dish with too many flavors. Jump to recipe and get started.