There’s something so comforting about a big, warm dish of lasagna. It’s one of those meals that evokes love, family gatherings, and good times. This Pioneer Woman Lasagna is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor—what more could you ask for? Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners. Let’s dive in and whip up this delicious masterpiece together!
Why make this recipe
First off, it’s lasagna! Who can resist those layers of gooey cheese and rich meat sauce? This recipe combines ground beef and Italian sausage for a flavor-packed filling. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just having some tasty leftovers for lunch. If you want to impress friends or family, this dish is your ticket to culinary fame.
How to make Pioneer Woman Lasagna
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans crushed tomatoes (28 oz each)
2 cans tomato paste (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound ricotta cheese
1 large egg
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
to taste fresh parsley (optional, for garnishing)
(Add
here right after Ingredients)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure to drain off any excess fat.
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. Now, it’s time to let the good flavors mingle! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Let that simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep things from sticking.
While the sauce is bubbling away, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix it all together until it’s nice and creamy.
Now comes the fun part—the layering! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay down four lasagna noodles on top. Then, spread half of the ricotta mixture over those noodles. Add a third of the meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat this layering: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella, until you use up all your ingredients. Finish with a layer of meat sauce on top. Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the last layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Once that time is up, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes. You want it bubbling and golden on top!
Let your lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes before you cut into it. It’ll be easier to serve, and trust me, the wait is worth it. You can garnish with fresh parsley if you like—it adds a nice touch!
How to serve Pioneer Woman Lasagna
Slice up the lasagna and serve it warm. It pairs beautifully with a simple salad or some garlic bread. You can even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
How to store Pioneer Woman Lasagna
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), let the lasagna cool completely before storing it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
Tips to make Pioneer Woman Lasagna
- Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will be.
- You can use homemade marinara sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for an extra boost of nutrition.
Variation
You can easily swap out the meats for ground turkey or chicken to lighten this dish up a bit. If you want to make it vegetarian, just load it up with your favorite roasted vegetables or use lentils instead of meat.
FAQs
(Add
here before this section)
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
Can I use different cheeses?
Of course! Cheese is pretty versatile. Feel free to use your favorites, like gouda, or even a dairy-free alternative if needed.
What should I serve with lasagna?
A light salad or some garlic bread pairs perfectly! You could also enjoy it with a glass of red wine if you’re feeling fancy.
More recipes? Follow me on Facebook – Pinterest
Print
Pioneer Woman Lasagna
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and cheesy lasagna combines ground beef and Italian sausage, making it a perfect comfort food for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes (28 oz each)
- 2 cans tomato paste (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- to taste fresh parsley (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, third of the meat sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used. Finish with a layer of meat sauce and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Let the lasagna cool completely before storing. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lasagna, comfort food, Italian recipe, cheesy, ground beef
