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Pioneer Woman Lasagna

Pioneer Woman Lasagna: A Cozy Family Favorite Recipe

Pioneer Woman Lasagna is a comforting dish with layers of meat sauce and cheese, sure to please the whole family.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef Provides the meaty base for the sauce; substitute with turkey for a lighter version.
  • 0.5 pound Italian sausage Adds depth and spice to the meat sauce; choose mild or spicy according to preference.
  • 1 medium onion (diced) Adds sweetness and flavor complexity; use yellow or sweet onions for best results.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Enhances the overall flavor; fresh cloves are ideal, but jarred can work in a pinch.
  • 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes Forms the base of the sauce, providing acidity and moisture.
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste Concentrates the flavor of the sauce; optional but recommended for richness.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes; omit for strict diets or use alternatives like honey.
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil Infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavors; can be swapped with Italian seasoning if needed.
  • to taste salt and black pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for the perfect flavor balance.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese Creates a creamy layer in the dish; substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ricotta mixture together; for vegan options, use a flax egg or silken tofu.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully and forms the top layer; consider using part-skim for less fat.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty flavor on top; nutritional yeast can work as a dairy-free substitute.
For the Noodles and Garnish
  • 12 noodles lasagna noodles The layers of the dish; swap for gluten-free noodles or thinly sliced vegetables for a gluten-free variant.
  • to taste fresh parsley Optional garnish that adds color and freshness to your beautifully baked lasagna.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot
  • Baking dish
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef and half a pound of Italian sausage, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in one diced onion and three minced garlic cloves; sauté until the onion is translucent, roughly another 5 minutes.
  3. Mix in two cans of crushed tomatoes, one can of tomato paste, a tablespoon of sugar, and dried basil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. While the meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  6. Once cooked, drain the noodles and gently toss them with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set the noodles aside as you prepare your baking dish and cheese layers for the Pioneer Woman Lasagna.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce along the bottom.
  8. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a mixture of 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, one beaten egg, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cover the assembled Pioneer Woman Lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  11. After this time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. The lasagna should be bubbling at the edges, indicating it’s ready to come out.
  12. Once the lasagna is out of the oven, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and get ready to enjoy your comforting Pioneer Woman Lasagna that’s sure to please the whole family.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow your lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking for cleaner slices and enhanced flavor integration. Don’t skimp on sauce between layers to keep noodles moist and flavorful. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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