Mock Lasagna
Satisfy your cravings for classic Italian flavors with this quick and easy Mock Lasagna recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender small pasta like rotini or penne with a rich, meaty marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The hearty casserole comes together in just 40 minutes, thanks to a clever twist that skips traditional lasagna layers and opts for a hassle-free pasta bake instead. Garnished with fresh basil for a pop of flavor, this family-friendly meal delivers all the comforting taste of lasagna with half the effort. With simple pantry staples and a streamlined preparation, Mock Lasagna is your new go-to recipe for effortless comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef or turkey
- 24 ounces Jarred marinara sauce
- 12 ounces Small pasta (e.g., rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 8 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Once the meat is browned, pour in the jar of marinara sauce and stir to combine. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy a comforting bowl of mock lasagna!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
570 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.0 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 113 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 1219 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 461 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 559 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
