Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna is a hearty, cheesy dish that combines all the elements of a classic lasagna with a cowboy twist. It features ground beef, Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comfort meal on a chilly evening. This casserole-style lasagna is easy to assemble and sure to become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
- While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Notes
- Meat Options: You can use all ground beef if you prefer, but the combination of beef and Italian sausage adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Cheese: For a creamier texture, use whole milk ricotta cheese. You can also substitute cottage cheese if desired.
- Noodles: No-boil lasagna noodles can be used to save time. Just ensure there’s enough sauce to keep the noodles moist while baking.
Variations
Spicy Cowboy Lasagna
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use hot Italian sausage for more heat.
Vegetarian Cowboy Lasagna
- Substitute the ground beef and sausage with a mix of chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
Extra Cheesy Cowboy Lasagna
- Add an additional 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded provolone cheese to the layers for an extra cheesy lasagna.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Freeze Cowboy Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna (before baking) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that will bring everyone to the table. Whether you make it for a family dinner or a potluck, this lasagna is sure to impress. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite.
Happy cooking, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Cowboy Lasagna!