Easy Lasagna Casserole

This easy lasagna casserole takes everything you love about classic lasagna and turns it into a simple, weeknight-friendly dish. Made with rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella, it delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles.

Why This Lasagna Casserole Works

Traditional lasagna can feel like a weekend project. This casserole version keeps the same rich, cheesy flavors but comes together in a fraction of the time. The rotini pasta catches all that meaty sauce in every twist and turn, and the cottage cheese adds a creamy richness throughout. It is the kind of meal your whole family will ask for again and again.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Boil the rotini al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry the ground beef with the diced sweet onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease.
4. Stir the cottage cheese into the hamburger and onion mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the pasta sauce over the meat mixture and stir to coat.
6. Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and stir everything together.
7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13 casserole dish and spread evenly.
8. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Lasagna Casserole

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Since it bakes in the oven, cook the rotini just until al dente so it does not get mushy.
• Use a good pasta sauce. The sauce is the backbone of this dish, so pick one you love. A chunky marinara or tomato basil works great.
• Make it ahead. Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.
• Switch up the cheese. Try ricotta instead of cottage cheese or add a handful of Parmesan on top for extra flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover lasagna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through.