Introduction
You get all the comforting, cheesy layers of classic lasagna in a fraction of the time with this hearty casserole. It’s the perfect weeknight solution that combines familiar ingredients in a simple, family-friendly way.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound hamburger
- 1 large sweet onion (diced)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 24-ounce jar pasta sauce
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- Salt pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the hamburger with the diced sweet onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir the entire jar of pasta sauce into the meat mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked and drained rotini pasta with the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Dollop the cottage cheese over the top of the pasta and meat mixture, then gently stir it in slightly (it’s okay if it’s not fully mixed).
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole.
- Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a more golden top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Creamier Texture: Before baking, thoroughly mix the cottage cheese with the pasta and sauce for a more integrated, creamy result.
- Crispy Topping: For a contrasting texture, broil the casserole for 3-4 minutes at the end to get a deeply golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Individual Servings: Assemble the casserole in oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes for perfect single-serving portions, reducing the bake time slightly.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Let the assembled casserole sit in the refrigerator for up to an hour before baking, allowing the pasta to soak up more of the sauce flavors.
Tips for Success
- Let the cooked hamburger and onion mixture cool for a minute before adding the pasta sauce to prevent splattering.
- For easier serving, use a spoon or spatula that can scrape the bottom of the dish to get through the cheesy top layer and saucy bottom.
- If your cottage cheese seems very wet, you can drain it in a fine-mesh strainer for a few minutes before using to prevent a watery casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole completely (through step 6), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
This recipe is designed for rotini, which holds the sauce well. You could substitute another short pasta like penne or fusilli, but avoid long noodles.
Do I have to use cottage cheese?
The cottage cheese mimics the traditional ricotta layer in lasagna. If you prefer, you can simply omit it, though you’ll lose some of the classic creamy texture.
Why is my casserole watery?
This is often caused by using a very watery pasta sauce or not draining the cooked hamburger well enough. Draining the fat from the meat and using a thicker sauce variety can help.
Can I freeze lasagna casserole?
Yes. Assemble and bake as directed. Once completely cooled, wrap the dish tightly or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with this?
A simple green salad and some garlic bread are perfect, easy sides that complete the meal.