If you’re eager to make a comforting and delicious lasagna from scratch, you’re in the right place.
This Pioneer Woman Lasagna Recipe combines ground beef, sausage, and a blend of tomatoes, creating a hearty and flavorful sauce.
For the best results, don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the sauce to meld together over time really brings out the depth of flavors.
Personally, this recipe stands out because it’s straightforward yet yields a deeply satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.
Using a mixture of fresh herbs adds a wonderful aromatic layer, making each bite truly special.
I recommend grating your own cheese for a creamier and more luscious texture.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cans Tomatoes (28 oz.)
- 2 cans Tomato Paste (6 oz.)
- 2 tbsp Parsley
- 2 tsp Basil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 3 cups Cottage Cheese
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Parsley (chopped)
- 1 lb Mozzarella Cheese (sliced)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 package Lasagna Noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Step 2:
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large skillet, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, and garlic.
Cook over medium-high heat until browned.
Drain excess fat.
Step 4:
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, basil, and salt to the meat mixture.
Simmer for 45 minutes.
Step 5:
In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, and chopped parsley.
Step 6:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7:
Spread some meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Step 8:
Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Step 9:
Spread a layer of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
Step 10:
Add a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 11:
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Step 12:
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor compared to pre-minced garlic from a jar.
Don’t Overcook Noodles
Be careful not to overcook your lasagna noodles as they will continue cooking in the oven.
Let the Lasagna Sit
Allowing the lasagna to sit for 15 minutes after baking helps the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Lasagna Recipe
Traditional Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic option that beautifully complements lasagna.
The crunch and the butteriness enhance the rich flavors of the lasagna.
You can make it easily by brushing slices of French bread with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic, then baking them until golden.
Fresh Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the hearty lasagna.
The romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing add a refreshing element to your plate.
You can even add croutons for an extra crunch.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and colorful addition to your meal.
You can use veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until tender.
Pickled Beets
Pickled beets offer a slightly tangy and earthy taste that pairs surprisingly well with lasagna.
Their acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
Serve them chilled and sliced on the side.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers provide a light and refreshing side dish that’s easy to make.
Skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Options
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.
For a richer taste, use a mix of beef and Italian sausage.
Vegetarians can use lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
Cheese Choices
Using ricotta instead of cottage cheese offers a creamier texture.
Try different cheeses like fontina or provolone for unique flavors.
Lactose-free cheese works well for those with dietary restrictions.
Noodles
Whole wheat lasagna noodles provide a healthier alternative.
Gluten-free noodles can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.
For a low-carb version, try zucchini or eggplant slices as a noodle replacement.
Sauce
Experiment with a spicy marinara sauce for added heat.
Alfredo sauce can replace the traditional red sauce for a white lasagna variant.
Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano will intensify the flavor of the sauce.
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Lasagna
Storing in the Refrigerator
To keep your leftover lasagna fresh, place it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate the lasagna for up to 3-5 days.
This helps maintain its flavors and texture.
Freezing for Longer Storage
For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna.
Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
Alternatively, use freezer-safe containers.
Label them with the date, and it will be good for 2-3 months.
Maintaining Quality
When wrapping, ensure there’s no air trapped inside.
This prevents freezer burn.
Let the lasagna cool completely before wrapping it up.
It helps in maintaining its best taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Much Sauce
The top reason lasagna can turn out soupy is due to using too much sauce.
It’s crucial to use just the right amount for balanced layers.
Too much sauce can make the dish mushy and difficult to serve in neat slices.
Undercooked Noodles
Using undercooked noodles can lead to an unpleasantly chewy texture in your lasagna.
Make sure to boil the noodles until they are just al dente before assembling your layers.
This ensures they will finish cooking perfectly in the oven.
Overloading with Cheese
While cheese is a key ingredient in lasagna, using too much can overwhelm the dish.
Layer with moderation, using a balanced amount to maintain the right texture and taste.
This prevents the lasagna from turning greasy or too heavy.
Pioneer Woman Lasagna Recipe
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 cans Tomatoes 28 oz.
- 2 cans Tomato Paste 6 oz.
- 2 tbsp Parsley
- 2 tsp Basil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 3 cups Cottage Cheese
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Parsley chopped
- 1 lb Mozzarella Cheese sliced
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 package Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, and garlic.
- Cook over medium-high heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, basil, and salt to the meat mixture.
- Simmer for 45 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, and chopped parsley.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread some meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
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