Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

Name: Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; Italian herbs for seasoning (optional)

Published: January 7, 2026

by Lisa

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese brings together rich flavors and creamy textures for a dish that’s hard to resist.
It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Plus, it’s visually stunning with layers of cheese and pasta that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
You can easily adapt it to include your favorite proteins or veggies!

Ingredients for Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Elbow Macaroni: Use about 2 cups of elbow macaroni; it’s the classic choice that holds all that gooey cheese perfectly.
Ground Beef or Sausage: A pound of ground beef or sausage adds heartiness and flavor; feel free to use turkey or veggie options too!
Marinara Sauce: About 2 cups of marinara sauce give that essential lasagna flavor; homemade or store-bought works great.
Ricotta Cheese: One cup of ricotta adds creaminess and richness to the mix; look for whole milk ricotta for best results.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Two cups of shredded mozzarella is crucial for that stretchy cheesiness we all love.
Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup of grated Parmesan gives an extra layer of flavor; fresh is always best!
Eggs: One large egg helps bind the ricotta mixture together, making it easier to scoop out.

For the Topping:

Panko Breadcrumbs: About one cup adds crispy texture on top; you can season them with Italian herbs for extra flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, usually about eight minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for about five minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half a cup of mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni with the meat sauce mixture and ricotta blend. Gently fold everything together so each piece is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Layer It Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the macaroni mixture first. Then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese before adding another layer on top.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top layer for that delightful crunch! Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for about thirty minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Transfer to plates and enjoy this wonderfully cheesy masterpiece!

This Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights will not only satisfy your cravings but also bring warmth and joy into your home on those chilly evenings!

You Must Know

This Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights is not just about comfort food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
Layer upon layer of cheesy goodness awaits, making it the perfect dish for gatherings or solo Netflix binges.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by boiling your pasta al dente. While that bubbles away, brown the ground beef or veggies with spices. Simultaneously, whip up a creamy cheese sauce. Finally, combine everything in a baking dish and let the magic happen in the oven.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to personalize this dish! Swap out traditional cheddar for gouda or add spinach for a veggie boost. You can even throw in some crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. Go wild!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until bubbly again, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly layered lasagna, let each component cool slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.
Always taste your cheese sauce; it should sing with flavor!
Lastly, don’t rush the baking; golden-brown edges are worth every minute.

When I first made this Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights, my friends declared it a “cheesy masterpiece.” We devoured it while sharing stories and laughter—definitely a night to remember!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for the Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights?

To make the Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights, gather elbow macaroni, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. You’ll also need ground beef or turkey, marinara sauce, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and a few spices. Don’t forget to prepare a creamy cheese sauce using milk and butter. This combination creates a rich and indulgent dish perfect for cozy evenings.

How long does it take to prepare the Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese?

Preparing the Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights takes about 30 minutes of prep time and an additional 30-40 minutes of cooking time. The total time is roughly one hour to one hour and ten minutes. This includes baking time to ensure all flavors meld beautifully and the cheese gets gloriously bubbly.

Can I make the Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish without baking it, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge but extend the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.

What are some variations of this mac and cheese recipe?

You can customize the Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Consider using different types of pasta such as penne or fusilli. For a smoky flavor, add cooked bacon or smoked sausage. Experiment with cheeses; Gouda or cheddar can give a unique twist while keeping things creamy.

Conclusion for Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights:

The Ultimate Lasagne Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights combines comforting flavors in one delicious dish. With easy-to-find ingredients like macaroni and rich cheeses, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Remember that you can adapt it with various meats and vegetables to suit your taste. Enjoy this hearty meal that blends traditional lasagna with creamy mac and cheese!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card