Lazy Lasagna
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Lazy Lasagna is exactly what you need. Perfect for busy weeknight meals, this dish combines all the classic flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering in a prepared baking dish. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or just want a comforting simple meal with minimal effort, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
What is Lazy Lasagna?
Lazy Lasagna is a deconstructed version of traditional lasagna that eliminates the need for careful layering of noodles, sauce, and cheese. Instead, all the ingredients are combined in one pot, creating a rich, flavorful dish with much less hassle.
The result is a lasagna casserole that’s just as delicious and comforting as the classic version, but with a fraction of the time and effort. This specific recipe was crafted to bring out the best in these flavors, making it a true comfort food.
What is Lazy Lasagna Made Of?
This lazy lasagna recipe is packed with hearty and delicious ingredients, including ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic, onion, broken lasagna noodles, shredded mozzarella cheese, and cottage cheese.
The addition of tomato paste, basil, pepper, and dried parsley creates a savory sauce that ties everything together beautifully. The result is a cheesy, flavorful dish that's sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to Make Lazy Lasagna – Overview
You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make this super easy recipe for lazy lasagna!
To make this Lazy Lasagna, first brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. After the meat is browned, add onions and minced garlic, cooking until they are fragrant and translucent. Stir in the tomato paste, water, basil, pepper, and dried parsley to create a rich, savory pasta mixture.
Next, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pasta sauce, letting them cook until al dente. Once the noodles are tender, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese to create a creamy cheese mixture.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can also add cottage cheese at this stage. Finally, transfer everything to a casserole dish if you’re finishing it in the oven, or simply let it simmer on the stovetop until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy and delicious. This recipe is the epitome of easy meals, bringing comfort and satisfaction with minimal effort.
Alternative Cooking Methods for Lazy Lasagna
Slow Cooker Instructions: After browning the ground beef and Italian sausage, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add the tomato paste, water, basil, pepper, and dried parsley. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Instructions: Use the sauté function to brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Add the tomato paste, water, basil, pepper, dried parsley, and broken lasagna noodles. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 6 minutes, then perform a natural pressure release for 5 minutes followed by a quick release. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese until fully melted, then serve with fresh parsley.
Oven Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet, then stir in the tomato paste, basil, pepper, dried parsley, broken lasagna noodles, and water. Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
There are several ways to customize this easy dinner recipe. Swap out the ground beef for lean ground beef or ground turkey to lighten up the dish. You can also incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. If you have some on hand, frozen ravioli can be used in place of the lasagna noodles for an even quicker version of this lazy lasagna casserole.
What is the correct order to layer lasagna?
With Lazy Lasagna, there's no need to worry about layering! Everything is mixed together for simplicity.
Can I Make Lazy Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This Lazy Lasagna can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you have leftovers, they can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If freezing, ensure the lasagna is fully cooled before wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil and placing it in the freezer.
What to Serve with Lazy Lasagna – Serving Suggestions
This Lazy Lasagna pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a balanced dinner.
Tips for Perfecting Your Recipe Lazy Lasagna
To elevate the dish even further, consider mixing in some parmesan cheese along with the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese. This adds a delightful nuttiness and richness to the cheese mixture, making every bite more indulgent.
Once the cooked pasta is stirred into the sauce, it’s important to season everything generously with the basil and dried parsley called for in this recipe. If you like you could try also adding some Italian seasoning for a nice boost. This blend of herbs ties the dish together, enhancing the flavor of the sauce and complementing the richness of the cheese.
Other Recipes You'll Enjoy:
Lazy Lasagna
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 10 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (about bite-sized or larger)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (hot or mild – your choice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella (12 oz)
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (12 oz)
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 ½ tsp pepper
- 1 ½ tsp dried parsley
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
Making this recipe in a pot on the stove is my favorite way to cook Lazy Lasagna. It's the easiest and creates the least mess since everything is done in one pot.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until the meat is browned and breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, stir in the tomato paste, basil, pepper, and dried parsley. Cook for about 2 minutes to let the tomato paste thicken and the spices bloom. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, stirring well to ensure the noodles are evenly submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the noodles are fully cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese, mixing well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and cheesy.
- Finally, remove the pot from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy your Lazy Lasagna!
Slow Cooker Instructions:
After browning the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the tomato paste, water, basil, pepper, and dried parsley. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the noodles are tender. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Instructions:
Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until the meat is cooked through. Turn off the sauté function and add the tomato paste, water, basil, pepper, dried parsley, and broken lasagna noodles. Stir well, then close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 6 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese until fully melted, then serve with fresh parsley.
Oven Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic. Stir in the tomato paste, basil, pepper, and dried parsley. Add the broken lasagna noodles and water, mixing well. Transfer the mixture to a large oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Remove from the oven, stir in the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
