Tomato-French Bread Lasagna Recipe
For a big hearty meal, I make this recipe as a side dish to go with veal cutlets or a roast. But you could also serve the beefy lasagna as a main dish. Just pair it with a tossed green salad and loaf of garlic bread.
For a big hearty meal, I make this recipe as a side dish to go with veal cutlets or a roast. But you could also serve the beefy lasagna as a main dish. Just pair it with a tossed green salad and loaf of garlic bread.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
- 1-1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large tomatoes sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 14 slices french bread (1/2 inch thick)
- Carbohydrate 3.84514510955711 g
- Cholesterol 51.8273566655747 mg
- Fat 13.7917878851655 g
- Fiber 0.51431706754018 g
- Protein 11.9470891293441 g
- Saturated Fat 6.48407620443273 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 serving (81g)
- Sodium 142.073707934134 mg
- Sugar 3.33082804201693 g
- Trans Fat 1.58508816658266 g
- Calories 189 calories
Step-by-step
- In a skillet, cook beef, onion, celery and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink; drain and set aside.
- Toast bread; line the bottom of an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish with 10 slices.
- Top with half of the meat mixture and half of the tomatoes.
- Combine seasonings; sprinkle half over tomatoes.
- Drizzle with 1 teaspoon oil.
- Crumble remaining bread over top.
- Repeat layers of meat, tomatoes, seasonings and oil.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter; stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually stir in milk; bring to a boil.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat; stir in Parmesan.
- Pour over casserole.
- Top with mozzarella.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
My Favorite Comfort Food: Tomato-French Bread Lasagna
As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Tomato-French Bread Lasagna fits the bill perfectly! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly simple to put together, even on a weeknight. I often make a double batch – one for dinner and another for leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen with time.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. While it's incredibly satisfying on its own, it also makes a fantastic side dish. I've served it alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, and even a simple green salad. The combination of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and crispy bread creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. My family raves about it every time I make it, and it's become a staple in our weekly meal rotation.
The beauty of this lasagna is in its simplicity. There's no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything is readily available at your local grocery store, and the instructions are straightforward enough for even novice cooks to follow. Even my teenage daughter can whip up this recipe with minimal supervision, making it a great way to involve the whole family in meal preparation.
The combination of textures adds another layer of enjoyment to this dish. The soft, slightly chewy French bread provides a wonderful contrast to the juicy tomatoes and tender beef. The creamy, cheesy topping adds a touch of richness, pulling all the flavors together beautifully. The herbs – oregano, basil, rosemary, and parsley – add warmth and complexity, enhancing the overall taste.
I've experimented with different variations of this recipe over the years. Sometimes I’ll add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. Other times, I’ll use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, depending on what I have on hand. The possibilities are endless! The fundamental recipe, however, remains the same, and it’s always a winner.
This Tomato-French Bread Lasagna isn't just a meal; it's a memory maker. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, creating warm, comforting moments around the dinner table. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in with loved ones. So, the next time you're looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal, give this recipe a try. I guarantee it will become a new family favorite.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Use different types of bread, such as Italian bread or ciabatta, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add some cooked vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, to the meat mixture for extra nutrients.
- If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
This Tomato-French Bread Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. It's a dish that celebrates the flavors of home, comfort, and togetherness. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy!
