Meat and Veggie Lovers Family Lasagna
Try this Meat and Veggie Lovers Family Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Meat and Veggie Lovers Family Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 2 tsp. dried basil
- 1 large sweet yellow onion chopped
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 3-4 cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 1 medium orange bell pepper seeded and chopped
- approx. 1 lb. sweet italian sausage
- 1 can (15 oz.) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 jars (24 oz. each) marinara sauce (i used a four cheese
- 2 tsp. dried marjoram
- 1 container (32 oz.) ricotta cheese
- 2 boxes (10 oz. each) frozen chopped spinach defrosted and drained well
- 1 box oven ready lasagna noodles
- Carbohydrate 1.73646388986046 g
- Cholesterol 94.4743575111827 mg
- Fat 22.7524787001684 g
- Fiber 0.20824999054273 g
- Protein 24.426639716864 g
- Saturated Fat 9.27916362986878 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (133g)
- Sodium 329.33088315584 mg
- Sugar 1.52821389931773 g
- Trans Fat 2.17490830873148 g
- Calories 314 calories
Step-by-step
- Spray either two medium or one extra large, deep baking dishes liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add onions, garlic and bell pepper to pan.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until onions are turning translucent and peppers have softened.
- Add ground beef and sausage to the pan and cook until no pink remains. Break up the meat as it cooks.
- Add diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, marjoram, basil, salt and pepper to the meat mixture, stir to combine and heat through. Turn off heat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, spinach and egg. Stir until well combined.
- Begin assembling the lasagna by adding a ladle-full of sauce to the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover with 3 sheets of noodles, then about 1 cup of the ricotta mixture and about 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Continue this process for 4 more layers.
- The top layer will be the remaining sheets of noodles and sauce topped with parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil.
- If freezing or making ahead: stop at this point. Freeze or refrigerated as needed. When using defrost or let come to room temperature before baking. You might need to add an additional 10-15 to baking time, as needed.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until bubbly.
- Remove foil and cook another 5 minutes to brown the top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
Meat and Veggie Lovers Family Lasagna: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy mom of three, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of homework, soccer practice, and the ever-present demand for snacks. But even amidst the chaos, I strive to put a hearty, home-cooked meal on the table. That's why I adore this Meat and Veggie Lovers Family Lasagna. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to assemble and incredibly satisfying.
The secret to its success isn't some complicated culinary technique; it's the simplicity. This lasagna allows for some creative flexibility. Feel free to substitute your favorite sausage for the Italian variety or add other vegetables you have on hand. I've often tossed in some mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—it works with what you have, making it a perfect weeknight solution when spontaneity is required.
The aroma alone is enough to draw the family into the kitchen, their faces lighting up at the sight of bubbling cheese and layers of savory goodness. It's more than just a meal; it's a symbol of comfort and togetherness. We gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter, while enjoying the fruits of my (relatively) effortless labor. The kids gobble it down, and even my picky husband asks for seconds. That right there is the ultimate culinary triumph.
Beyond the Weeknight: While perfect for a busy weeknight, this lasagna also makes a fantastic make-ahead meal. I often assemble it on the weekend and freeze it for a quick, easy dinner later in the week. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and add a little extra baking time. It’s a lifesaver when unexpected events throw off my carefully planned meal schedule. The taste remains just as delicious, even after a trip to the freezer.
The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of perfectly cooked pasta is irresistible. The vegetables add a touch of freshness, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy. Each bite offers a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting lasagna on a chilly evening—the perfect remedy for a long, tiring day. And that, my friends, is what makes this lasagna recipe a true winner in my book.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Easily adapt this recipe to a vegetarian lasagna by substituting the ground beef and sausage with lentils or a hearty vegetable mixture.
- Spice it Up: For those who appreciate a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, fontina, or even a blend of your favorites can create unique flavor profiles.
- Make it Ahead: As mentioned, this lasagna is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble it and freeze it for a later date, adding extra baking time as needed.
This Meat and Veggie Lovers Family Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the simple joys of home-cooked meals. It's a dish that brings people together, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite. It's a recipe I'll continue to cherish, not only for its deliciousness, but also for the memories it helps create.
