Easy Baked Meat Pasta (Lazy Lasagna)
This baked pasta dish is similar to lasagna but much easier to prepare. Instead of layering pasta sheets, cooked pasta is mixed with a rich meat sauce and baked with melted mozzarella on top. The result is a comforting casserole with classic Italian flavors that is simple enough for beginner cooks but still tastes like homemade lasagna.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 28g
Ingredients
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Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with about 4–5 cups of water.
Step 2
Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high.
Step 3
Wait until the water begins boiling rapidly with large bubbles.
Step 4
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
Step 5
Add the pasta to the pot.
Step 6
Stir the pasta once so it does not stick together.
Step 7
Cook the pasta for 8–10 minutes, or until it is soft but still slightly firm.
Step 8
Pour the pasta into a strainer to drain the water.
Step 9
Set the pasta aside.
Step 10
Place a large skillet or pan on the stove.
Step 11
Turn the heat to medium heat.
Step 12
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan.
Step 13
Add the ground beef or sausage.
Step 14
Break the meat apart using a wooden spoon.
Step 15
Cook the meat for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes browned.
Step 16
If using onion, add it now and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 17
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Step 18
Pour the marinara sauce into the pan.
Step 19
Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 20
Stir everything together.
Step 21
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so the flavors combine.
Step 22
Turn the stove off.
Step 23
Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce.
Step 24
Stir until the pasta is completely coated with the sauce.
Step 25
Add the ricotta cheese and mix gently.
Step 26
Turn the oven on and preheat it to 375°F (190°C).
Step 27
Lightly grease a large baking dish with a small amount of olive oil.
Step 28
Pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
Step 29
Spread it evenly using a spoon.
Step 30
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
Step 31
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
Step 32
Place the baking dish into the oven.
Step 33
Bake for 18–20 minutes.
Step 34
The pasta is ready when the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
Step 35
Carefully remove the dish from the oven.
Step 36
Let it cool for about 5 minutes so the pasta sets slightly.
Step 37
Scoop portions onto plates and serve warm.
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