The Pioneer Woman’s Ultimate Lasagna: Hearty, Homey, and Crowd-Pleasing
Prep ahead to enjoy a rich, customizable comfort dish that brings everyone together.
The Best Lasagna Recipe Ever: A Pioneer Woman Classic
Lasagna is one of those hearty, crowd-pleasing recipes that signals love, comfort, and celebration at the dinner table. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, delivers her signature version with a balance of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and layers of creamy cheese, making it an enduring favorite for weeknights, potlucks, and family gatherings. In this guide, you’ll learn everything needed to master her lasagna, from sourcing ingredients to prepping ahead, assembling, baking, and serving with perfect sides.
Why Make This Lasagna?
- Reliable and Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be made in advance, frozen, or refrigerated for up to two days before baking.
- Deep Flavors, Simple Techniques: Straightforward steps designed for home cooks—with a focus on meatiness, cheese, and classic tomato sauce.
- Customizable: Offers flexibility to adjust meats, noodles, or herbs to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredient Overview
The secret to an unforgettable lasagna lies in a few easy-to-source ingredients cooked with care. Here’s what you’ll need for Ree Drummond’s classic:
- Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- Ground beef (1.5–2 lbs)
- Hot breakfast sausage (1 lb) for additional spice and richness
- Garlic (2–3 cloves): Finely chopped for aromatic depth
- Canned tomatoes: Typically, two 14.5-ounce cans or one 28-ounce can, undrained, coarsely chopped
- Tomato paste: Two 6-ounce cans to thicken and concentrate the sauce
- Herbs: Parsley and basil, ideally fresh, but dried can work in a pinch
- Cottage cheese (low-fat or whole): For creaminess between the noodle layers
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred into the cheese mixture and generously sprinkled on top
- Sliced Mozzarella cheese (about 1 lb): For gooey, golden layers
- Eggs: Two, beaten, to bind the cheese mixture
Step-by-Step Directions
Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, hot breakfast sausage, and chopped garlic until browned. Drain off excess fat, reserving some for flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Paste: Stir in canned tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, half of the parsley, basil leaves, and a measured teaspoon of salt. Combine thoroughly.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally. This creates a deep, flavorful meat sauce base.
Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, remaining parsley, and another teaspoon of salt. Stir well to create a thick, creamy mixture.
Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a dash of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook lasagna noodles until al dente—do not overcook, as they will soften further when baked.
- Drain noodles and lay flat on foil or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Layer One: Arrange about four noodles at the bottom of a large baking pan, overlapping as needed.
- Cheese Mixture: Spoon half of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Mozzarella: Lay slices of mozzarella over cheese mixture.
- Meat Sauce: Spread a generous, but slightly less than half, layer of the meat sauce over the mozzarella.
- Repeat: Add another layer of noodles, the rest of the cheese mixture, another layer of mozzarella, and the remaining meat sauce.
- Finish: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
Bake (or Store)
- If baking immediately, cover with foil to prevent burning and bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, or until the top is hot and bubbly.
- For make-ahead convenience, refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze for later, baking directly from the fridge when ready to serve.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
- Layering: Aim for at least two layers of both noodles and filling for robust texture and flavor.
- Your Pan: Use a deep baking dish—a standard 9×13-inch pan provides a good balance for ingredients and layering.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow lasagna to rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing to keep layers intact.
- Customize Meat: Substitute breakfast sausage with mild Italian sausage if preferred, or use all ground beef for milder flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Cottage cheese is used for a lighter texture, but ricotta works for a richer bite.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs provide vivid flavor, but dried herbs suffice if fresh aren’t available.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Lasagna is a meal in itself, but pairing it with classic sides enhances the experience. Consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery—perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Cool, crisp greens cut through the richness of the lasagna.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try Italian-style zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a balanced plate.
- Simple Red Wine: Pairs beautifully with hearty tomato sauce and beef.
Common Variations
| Variation | Description | Recommended Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. | Omit ground beef and sausage, increase vegetables and herbs. |
| Spicy | Add crushed red pepper or use spicy Italian sausage. | Use hot sausage, add 1 tsp chili flakes to sauce. |
| Mild | Swap out hot sausage for mild breakfast or Italian sausage. | Select mild meat based on taste preference. |
| Ricotta Cheese | Replace cottage cheese with ricotta for traditional texture. | Use equal amount of ricotta in cheese mixture. |
Lasagna FAQs
Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
It’s not recommended for this recipe as oven-ready noodles may not soften properly without ample sauce. Traditional boiled noodles yield a better texture and flavor.
How far in advance can I assemble lasagna?
You can assemble and refrigerate lasagna for up to two days before baking, or freeze it for extended storage. Always bake straight from the fridge or allow to thaw for best results.
What others are reading
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Yes, lasagna freezes well. Allow leftovers to cool completely, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months.
Can I use only ground beef or only sausage?
Absolutely. Using just one type of meat will yield a slightly different flavor, but both are delicious—choose based on your preference for spice or richness.
What’s the best way to slice lasagna neatly?
Let the lasagna rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes after baking. Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut clean slices.
Pro Tips for Lasagna Success
- Drain fat from the meat well to avoid a greasy lasagna.
- Simmer sauce uncovered: This concentration of flavors prevents watery final layers.
- Generous seasoning: Don’t skimp on salt, herbs, or garlic, as noodles absorb flavor.
- Rest, then serve: Don’t rush cutting—waiting lets layers set and stay intact.
- Double the batch: Making two lasagnas requires only minor extra effort and provides a freezer meal for busy nights.
Ingredient Substitutions and Adjustments
- Gluten-Free: Swap traditional noodles for gluten-free pasta sheets.
- Lower Fat: Use lean ground beef or turkey and low-fat cottage cheese.
- Vegetable Additions: Layer sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for color and nutrients.
- Cheese Swap: Ricotta can stand in for cottage cheese if preferred.
Perfect Lasagna Night: Serving, Storage, and Side Dishes
This lasagna shines as a centerpiece for celebratory meals, comforting weeknight dinners, or busy family weekends. Prepare ahead, bake when needed, and pair with simple sides for a delicious, memorable feast.
- Serving Size: One 9×13-inch pan serves 8 generously.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F oven covered with foil to retain moisture.
Quick Reference Table: Main Steps
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Sauce Preparation | Sauté meats, add tomatoes/paste/herbs, simmer 45 min |
| Cheese Mixture | Mix cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, salt |
| Noodle Prep | Boil with salt & olive oil, drain, lay flat |
| Layer & Assemble | Alternate noodles, cheese, mozzarella, meat sauce |
| Baking | Bake at 350°F 20–30 min, rest before serving |
What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna Unique?
- Layering Technique: Every layer is generously filled, offering a balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
- Classic, Comforting Flavors: The combination of meats and cheeses yields maximum richness without fuss or complication.
- Make-Ahead Versatility: Flexible for busy schedules, dinner parties, or family events.
- No Complicated Ingredients: Only wholesome staples you likely have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add vegetables or substitute the meat?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers layer in well and add freshness.
How do I prevent runny lasagna?
Simmer the sauce long enough to thicken and always let the baked lasagna rest before slicing.
Can I assemble lasagna in advance?
Absolutely. Prep an unbaked lasagna up to 2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate or freeze.
Do the leftovers taste as good?
Some say even better! The flavors meld further overnight, making next-day slices highly sought after.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, the sturdy structure and familiar flavors make it a potluck favorite. Consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Lasagna
Pioneer Woman’s Best Lasagna is both a reliable classic and a forgiving canvas for your own culinary twists. Its rich layers, meaty sauce, and cheesy filling come together effortlessly. Whether serving a hungry crowd or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe is sure to earn rave reviews and become a regular in your comfort food rotation.
References
- https://leitesculinaria.com/74806/recipes-pioneer-woman-favorite-lasagna.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5T8atybnhg
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11728/best-lasagna-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a39299811/spinach-lasagna-recipe/
- https://www.simplelocallife.com/pioneer-womans-best-ever-lasagna/
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