Lasagna Casserole

Introduction

This Lasagna Casserole captures all the classic flavors you love but skips the fussy layering. You get a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together in a fraction of the time, making it a perfect weeknight solution for a hungry family.

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

1. 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.
2. While the pasta cooks, brown the hamburger with the diced sweet onion in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir the entire jar of pasta sauce into the cooked meat and onion mixture. Bring to a simmer.
4. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
5. Add the cooked, drained rotini pasta to the meat and sauce mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Dollop the cottage cheese over the top of the pasta mixture and gently stir it in.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire surface.
8. Place the skillet under the broiler (or transfer the mixture to a broiler-safe casserole dish first) for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots.
9. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Extra Crispy Top: For a deeper golden-brown top, finish in a 425°F oven for 8-10 minutes instead of using the broiler.
• Make it a Dip: Serve the casserole warm alongside sturdy breadsticks or toasted garlic bread for scooping.
• Individual Portions: Divide the mixture before adding cheese into oven-safe ramekins for personalized, easy-to-serve portions.
• Herb Boost: Stir a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a handful of chopped fresh basil into the meat sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Success

• Draining the excess fat from the cooked hamburger prevents the final dish from being greasy.
• For a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese in a food processor for a few seconds before adding it to the casserole.
• Watch the casserole constantly while under the broiler, as the cheese can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or reheat the entire casserole in a covered dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems dry.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

What can I use instead of rotini?

Any similar short pasta will work, such as penne, fusilli, or medium shells.

Do I have to use cottage cheese?

Yes, per the recipe’s fixed ingredients. The cottage cheese provides the classic lasagna ricotta flavor and creamy texture. If you prefer it less noticeable, blend it first.

Can I use a different type of meat?

The recipe is fixed to hamburger, but you could use ground turkey or chicken as a direct substitution if preferred. The flavor will be slightly different.

My casserole seems dry. What happened?

You may have overcooked the pasta or used a skillet that was too wide, causing the sauce to reduce too much. Next time, reserve a little pasta water to stir in before adding the cheese.

Why use the broiler instead of baking?

The broiler quickly melts and browns the cheese on top without overcooking the rest of the ingredients, keeping the cook time short and the texture perfect.