Delicious Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Layers of Flavor
Indulge yourself in the authentic taste of Italy with this absolutely scrumptious Lasagna recipe! If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, cheesy, and flavorful experience, you won’t need to look any further. Trust me; this is the Best Lasagna Ever! Ree Drummond, aka Pioneer Woman, has done it again with her fantastic lasagna recipe, which will undoubtedly make you everyone’s favorite chef in the neighborhood.
Every single layer between the al dente lasagna noodles is packed with rich and savory flavors that your taste buds won’t be able to resist. This home-cooked dish is perfect for dinner parties, birthdays, or lazy evenings at home. Whether it’s winter or summer, Lasagna remains a classic comfort food that you can serve at any time of the year.
So put on your apron and follow along as we take you through these step-by-step instructions on how to make the pioneer woman best-ever Lasagna. Get ready to dive into culinary euphoria!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a recipe that will have your guests raving and clambering for more? Then look no further than The Pioneer Woman’s Best Lasagna Ever recipe! With the perfect combination of savory meats, creamy cheese, and tangy tomatoes, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
What sets this lasagna apart from all others is its homemade meat sauce. The combination of 2 lbs ground beef and 1 lb hot breakfast sausage, alongside 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 14-ounce cans whole tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, creates a hearty and flavorful base for this dish. The secret here is to cook the sauce until it has thickened nicely, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
But that’s not all; this lasagna also incorporates a deliciously creamy blend of cheese. A mixture of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, dried parsley, and dried basil forms an irresistible filling that separates each layer. And let’s not forget about the finishing touch – gooey mozzarella cheese sprinkled over the top.
Don’t be intimidated; making lasagna from scratch can seem daunting at first. But with The Pioneer Woman’s easy-to-follow recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions and photos to guide you along the way, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time.
Most importantly, your guests will be begging for your recipe long afterward! With its unbeatable taste and ease of preparation, The Pioneer Woman’s Best Lasagna Ever recipe is guaranteed to become a crowd-pleasing favorite at any party or gathering.
Ingredient List
- 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
- 1/2 a pound of hot breakfast sausage
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Two 14.5 ounce cans of whole tomatoes
- Two 6 ounce cans of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of dried basil
- 2 tablespoons of dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- One package of lasagna noodles (approximately 10 to 12 noodles)
- Three cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- One and a half cups of grated Parmesan cheese
- One and a half cups of cottage cheese
- Two lightly beaten eggs
This ingredient list may seem long, but most items are pantry staples or easy-to-find items at the grocery store. Trust me, these ingredients are worth it. With each bite, you’ll be grateful you took the time to gather ingredients for the best lasagna ever.
The Recipe How-To
This recipe calls for the use of two types of meat, ground beef and breakfast sausage. I usually start by browning both in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they are completely cooked through. Once they are cooked, drain the excess fat from the skillet.
Next, add minced garlic to the skillet and let it cook for about a minute. Then pour in two cans of whole tomatoes, along with two tablespoons of tomato paste. Add in dried parsley and dried basil, plus a sprinkling of salt. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat while you prepare your cheese mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped or dried parsley, and two beaten eggs. Mix everything together until it is thoroughly combined.
To assemble the lasagna, preheat your oven to 375°F. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles on top, followed by another layer of meat sauce, then a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers twice more, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Finally, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna before placing it in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, cover the lasagna with foil and continue to bake for an additional 25 minutes.
Once fully baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into pieces and serving.
This recipe is versatile and easily adaptable to substitutions, so feel free to experiment with different variations such as adding spinach or mushrooms. I hope this recipe helps you create the best lasagna ever!
Substitutions and Variations
Aside from the Pioneer Woman’s recipe, there are many ways to tweak this classic dish to make it your own. If you’re looking for a healthier version, try swapping out regular lasagna noodles for whole wheat ones or even opting for a vegetable lasagna with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant as the base.
For those who love a bit of heat in their meals, consider adding some spicy sausage or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different meats such as ground turkey, lamb, or pork.
If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be afraid to mix up the types of cheese used in the recipe. Instead of using only mozzarella for instance, incorporate a mix of provolone and fontina cheeses to add depth and complexity to the flavors.
One popular variation is to add spinach and/or artichokes to the cheese mixture for added texture and flavor. You can also make a seafood version by swapping beef and sausage for shrimp and scallops or any other seafood of your choice.
Overall, the options for substitutions and variations are endless – from taking inspiration from other celebrity chefs such as Trisha Yearwood and Valerie Bertinelli to inventing your own recipe. So take some chances and experiment until you find the perfect version of your best ever lasagna!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have cooked the best lasagna ever, it’s time to shift your focus towards serving and pairing. Lasagna is a hearty dish that can be served as a standalone meal or paired with wine and other sides for an even more satisfying experience.
When serving lasagna, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the cheese to firm up and makes it easier to cut without all the layers falling apart. Slice into portions that are not too big but enough to make a filling meal.
Pairing wine, beer or any beverages that balance out the richness of the lasagna is essential. A light-bodied and fruit-forward red wine like Pinot Noir, Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices. For beer lovers, a nice lager, pilsner or Belgian witbier pairs well with lasagna.
In terms of sides, you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or garlic bread. Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant and bell peppers complement the cheesy lasagna brilliantly.
But if you want to elevate your lasagna game to another level try pairing it up with some Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti Carbonara or meatballs. It adds flair and enhances the overall taste profile of your meal.
With this best-ever courtesy Pioneer Woman recipe for lasagna, you’re sure to impress your guests with a classic comfort meal that is both delicious and filling.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This lasagna recipe is an excellent choice for make-ahead meals, as it can be assembled and refrigerated for up to two days before baking. Simply cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap or foil and let the dish come to room temperature on the countertop for around 30 minutes.
If you want to freeze the lasagna for later, make sure that it has cooled completely before wrapping it in a double layer of aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can then place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. The lasagna will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to bake the frozen lasagna, let it sit in the fridge overnight to thaw before baking. Then, cover it with foil and bake as directed. If you’re reheating a leftover piece of lasagna, you can either use the microwave or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Keep in mind that lasagna tends to become soggy when microwaved, so using an oven is recommended for reheating. But no matter how you choose to store or reheat this dish, its flavors will only become more complex and satisfying over time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking the best lasagna ever does require a bit of time and effort, but it’s all worth it in the end. To make sure that your lasagna comes out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Cook the noodles just right
The key to perfectly cooked lasagna noodles lies in the boiling time. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully and cook them for slightly less than recommended. The noodles will continue cooking in the oven, so they should be slightly undercooked when you pull them out of the pot.
2. Choose quality ingredients
It goes without saying that using high-quality ingredients will elevate your lasagna game to another level. Opt for fresh whole tomatoes, high-quality ground beef, and real Parmesan cheese.
3. Layer carefully
Layering your lasagna is an art form, and it’s essential to get it right for even distribution of ingredients and perfect texture. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom, followed by noodles, then cheese mixture, then repeat until reaching near the top where you bake for crispy edges.
4. Bake covered
Covering your lasagna with aluminum foil while baking will prevent it from drying out and ensure that it cooks evenly. Uncover during final baking time for those perfect bubbly crust tips.
5. Let rest before serving
Allow your lasagna to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows everything to settle while making way for a cleaner cut through each layer of deliciousness.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success with any lasagna recipe!
FAQ
Now it’s time for the FAQs. As with anything, there may be some questions that come up as you approach making this lasagna recipe. Below are some commonly asked questions and our answers.
How do you make Paula Deen’s lasagna?
For this lasagna recipe, we will need some essential ingredients such as one cup of Gruyere cheese, 12 ounces of cottage cheese that has been mixed with one beaten egg and half a cup of Parmesan cheese, and some long strips of lasagna noodles, ranging from 6 to 9. Additionally, we also need 1.5 pounds of ground beef and some seasoning which include 2 bay leaves, 1.5 teaspoons of sugar, 1.5 teaspoons of Paula Deen’s Seasoned Salt, and 1.5 teaspoons of Paula Deen’s House Seasoning.
What is the correct order to layer lasagna?
To start, grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom. Cook up some lasagna noodles, and make a layer of them on top of the sauce. Next, spread an even layer of ricotta cheese mixture followed by an even layer of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers twice more. Finally, top it all off with a final layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
How many layers of lasagna is best?
To ensure that your lasagna comes out perfectly layered, it’s important to use a total of four layers of noodles. It’s recommended to use wider noodles for the first and last layers, so if you have fewer than 16 noodles, be sure to save the extra ones for those specific layers. This will help create a balance in the texture and taste of your lasagna.
Is a metal or glass pan better for lasagna?
When it comes to cookware, metal stands out as the sturdiest choice since it is less susceptible to damage. However, it may lose its heat fast once taken off the heat source. On the other hand, glass dishes perform well with casseroles such as lasagna, thanks to their ability to retain warmth for an extended time period.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I highly recommend giving Pioneer Woman’s recipe for the best lasagna ever a try. With its combination of ground beef and breakfast sausage, flavorful tomato sauce, and three types of cheese, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner party or gathering.
Whether you’re following Ree Drummond’s recipe to the letter or adding your own personal twists, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate a range of variations and substitutions. And with its tips for make-ahead preparation, storing, and reheating, it’s also a practical choice for busy schedules or leftovers.
So if you’re in the mood for a classic Italian dish that’s both comforting and delicious, look no further than Pioneer Woman’s best lasagna ever. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
The Best Lasagna Ever (Courtesy of Pioneer Woman) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, hot
- 2 garlic cloves, Minced
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans whole tomatoes
- 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups cottage cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated not shredded
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced not shredded
- 1 (10 ounce) package lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine ground beef, sausage, and garlic.
- Cook over medium-high heat until browned.
- Drain half the fat; less if you’re feeling naughty.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil and salt.
- Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, 2 more tablespoons parsley, and 1 more teaspoon salt.
- Stir together well, set aside.
- Cook lasagna until “al dente” (not overly cooked).
- To assemble:.
- Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a baking pan, overlapping if necessary.
- Spoon half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, spread evenly.
- Cover cottage cheese with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon a little less than half the meat mixture over the top.
- Repeat, ending with meat mixture.
- Sprinkle top generously with extra Parmesan.
- Either freeze, refrigerate for up to two days, or bake immediately:
- 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until top is hot and bubbly.
Your Own Notes
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!