Joy Behar Lasagna Recipe

When it comes to lasagna, Joy Behar’s famous recipe stands out, let me tell you!

With a sumptuous blend of flavors, the dish has earned its acclaim, and it’s about time you learn how to create it in your own kitchen.

This lasagna recipe features sweet Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and an outstanding homemade sauce where the rich flavors come together harmoniously.

It creates a versatile dish suited for family gatherings, potlucks, or a special night at home.

How to Make Joy Behar Lasagna

Ingredients List

• 1/2 box lasagna noodles
• 1 1/2 lbs sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 lb whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 28 oz can crushed Italian tomatoes
• 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Cheese filling (your favorite recipe or a mix of ricotta and Parmesan cheese)

Step-by-step process

Step 1. Prepare the oven and lasagna noodles:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.

Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent sticking.

Lay out the noodles in a single layer on a tray or clean kitchen towels.

Step 2. Prepare the meat sauce:

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they soften.

Next, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula while it cooks.

Once the sausage is browned, drain any excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor and moisture.

Add the crushed Italian tomatoes, tomato paste, and chopped parsley.

Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, adding fresh basil leaves if desired.

Step 3. Prepare the cheese mixture:

Combine your chosen cheese filling ingredients in a bowl, mixing them well.

Step 4. Assemble the lasagna:

To start assembling the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place a layer of noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture.

Continue layering the meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture until you have used up all the ingredients.

Top the final layer with shredded mozzarella cheese to create a cheesy crust.

Step 5. Bake the lasagna:

Place the dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

This helps with slicing and allows the flavors to meld together.

This famous lasagna recipe has been enjoyed by many, including Whoopi Goldberg.

Serve this delicious Italian dish at your next gathering to impress your friends and family with Joy Behar’s flavor-packed lasagna.

Remember, you can always customize the filling to your personal taste and preferences.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Joy Behar Lasagna

One of the best parts of enjoying Joy Behar’s delicious lasagna is deciding what side dishes to pair with it.

To help you make your choice, we’ve compiled a list of some amazing side dishes that complement this classic Italian favorite, perfect for special occasions or family dinners.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish for any Italian meal, and it’s a natural pairing for lasagna.

With its buttery, garlicky flavor, it’s the perfect accompaniment to the rich and meaty lasagna.

It also acts as a great tool for scooping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a light and refreshing option that consists of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil.

This simple yet flavorful salad contrasts the heavy lasagna, helping to cleanse your palate and balance out the dish’s richness.

Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is another popular choice, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.

This creamy, crunchy salad complements the lasagna well and is substantial enough to satisfy you without becoming overly full.

How to Store Joy Behar Lasagna

Storing leftover lasagna properly is essential for preserving its delicious taste and texture.

Here are some tips on how you can keep your homemade Joy Behar lasagna fresh with various storage methods.

Refrigerating Leftover Lasagna

To store your baked lasagna, first let it cool down to room temperature.

Then, cover the casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap.

If you don’t have a lid, use aluminum foil to cover it completely.

Place the covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply place it in the oven preheated at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated.

Freezing Individual Slices

You can also freeze individual slices of lasagna.

First, cut the baked lasagna into single servings.

Using a piece of parchment paper, wrap each slice tightly and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag.

This method allows for easy defrosting when you want to enjoy a single serving of delicious lasagna.

When you’re ready to eat, remove the frozen lasagna block from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before reheating.

Freezing an Entire Casserole

If you prefer to freeze an entire casserole dish of lasagna, follow these steps.

Line the casserole dish with a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil before assembling the lasagna.

After baking and cooling, use the parchment paper or foil to lift the lasagna out of the dish and then wrap it tightly.

Place the wrapped lasagna in a resealable plastic bag or wrap it again in plastic wrap, and then place it in the freezer.

To reheat, remove the lasagna from the freezer and unwrap it.

Place it back in the casserole dish and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

By storing your Joy Behar lasagna using these methods, you can ensure that you have a delicious and satisfying meal anytime you crave it.

Proper storage maintains the quality of the lasagna and extends its shelf life, so you can enjoy your favorite dish whenever you want.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Joy Behar Lasagna:

Using a Shallow Skillet on Medium Heat

When preparing the meat sauce for Joy Behar’s lasagna, it is essential to use a deep skillet instead of a shallow one.

A deep skillet enables you to cook the meat sauce properly without spilling or burning it.

Additionally, use medium heat to prevent the sauce from scorching.

Uneven Ladle of Sauce in Baking Dish

When assembling the lasagna, ensure you spread an even layer of sauce across the entire baking dish.

If the sauce is uneven, some parts of your lasagna may dry, causing it to cook unevenly and lose its desired meal status.

Insufficient Grated Mozzarella Cheese

Using an appropriate amount of grated mozzarella cheese contributes to the lasagna’s creamy texture and golden brown appearance.

Make sure to use enough cheese in each layer, as well as on top of the lasagna.