Fake Lasagna Casserole
This easy casserole delivers the satisfying flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles. Spiral pasta is tossed with a simple, savory meat sauce and then baked under a generous layer of melted mozzarella. It's a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 5 min
- Serves
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 225 gspiral pasta
- 450 gground beef, 85% lean
- 0.5 pcsyellow onion, diced
- 700 mlmarinara sauce
- 225 gshredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
Equipment
large skillet · large pot · colander · cutting board · knife · oven · baking dish
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
About 5 min
- 2
Cook the spiral pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Cooking the pasta slightly less than the package directs will prevent it from getting mushy in the oven.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
About 2 min
- 4
Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 8-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.
About 10 min
- 5
Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Tilt the pan and use a spoon to hold back the meat while you pour the grease into a heatproof container.
- 6
Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Season with salt and pepper.
About 1 min
- 7
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
About 5 min
- 8
Drain the cooked pasta well and add it to the skillet with the meat sauce, stirring to combine everything thoroughly.
About 2 min
- 9
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 2-quart (approx. 20x20 cm or 8x8 inch) baking dish.
About 1 min
- 10
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
About 1 min
- 11
Top with the remaining pasta mixture and spread it into an even layer.
About 1 min
- 12
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
About 1 min
- 13
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: If you want more browning on the cheese, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching it carefully.
- 14
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Resting helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve clean portions.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until heated through.
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