Meat Lovers Lasagna

This delicious and hearty Meat Lovers Lasagna is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you crave something comforting. Loaded with melty cheese, flavorful sauce, and a blend of ground beef and chicken sausage, this lasagna will surely impress. The unique combination of ingredients makes it a standout dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Layers: Each layer is packed with rich flavors from the cheeses and seasoned meats.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This lasagna is versatile enough for weeknight meals or special celebrations.
• Generous Portions: Serves up to 12, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
• Hearty Ingredients: The combination of beef and chicken sausage creates a filling meal that’s sure to satisfy meat lovers.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this tasty Meat Lovers Lasagna, having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Skillet or frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and provides ample space for all layers.
• Skillet or frying pan: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and browning meat efficiently.

Ingredients

This delicious and hearty Meat Lovers Lasagna is loaded with melty cheese, delicious sauce, and two kinds of meat!

For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated, divided
• 6 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 3/4 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground chicken Chicken Chicken Italian sausage

For the Sauce Base

• 1-29 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1-29 ounce can crushed tomatoes in puree
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red grape juice
• 2 tablespoons Italian Herb seasoning
• 1-3 teaspoons granulated sugar (see notes)

For Assembling the Lasagna

• 1-16 ounce package lasagna noodles
• 8 ounces provolone cheese slices
• More basil to garnish, optional

How to Make Meat Lovers Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 8 ounces of freshly grated mozzarella cheese, 2 ounces of freshly grated parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, parsley, and basil. Mix well until everything is thoroughly blended. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the lasagna.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add minced garlic along with diced carrots, onion, and celery. Sauté until softened; about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

Add 1 1/4 pounds of lean ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground chicken Chicken Chicken Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes in puree, tomato paste, red grape juice, Italian herb seasoning, and sugar into the meat mixture. Let simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer noodles over sauce followed by half of the cheese mixture. Add more sauce on top before repeating layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking) and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Serve

Let it cool slightly before slicing into portions. Garnish with additional basil if desired. Enjoy your hearty Meat Lovers Lasagna!

How to Serve Meat Lovers Lasagna

Serving Meat Lovers Lasagna can elevate your dining experience and make the meal more enjoyable. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner, consider these delightful serving suggestions.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing complement the richness of the lasagna.
• Caprese Salad: Sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices spread with garlic butter are perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Elevate your garlic bread by adding melted cheese on top for extra flavor.

Enjoy with Wine

• Sparkling Water: A refreshing non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Grape Juice: Sweet red grape juice mirrors the flavors in lasagna while being family-friendly.

How to Perfect Meat Lovers Lasagna

Perfecting your Meat Lovers Lasagna is all about attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold spices: Use fresh herbs and spices for depth of flavor in your meat sauce.
• Layer wisely: Alternate layers of meat, cheese, and pasta evenly to ensure balanced flavors in each bite.
• Pre-cook noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles before layering for a tender texture that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Let it rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Meat Lovers Lasagna

Complementing your Meat Lovers Lasagna with side dishes can enhance the meal. Try these delicious options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast until tender for a flavorful addition.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil adds a light touch.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli offers a nutritious balance to the rich lasagna.
5. Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats brings variety to your table.
6. Fried Zucchini Chips: Crunchy zucchini chips add texture and flavor as a fun side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Meat Lovers Lasagna, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Cheese Layering: Not adding enough cheese can result in a dry lasagna. Make sure to layer ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone throughout.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can prevent your lasagna from cooking evenly. Let your cheeses and sauces come to room temperature before assembling.
• Overcooking Noodles: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Aim for al dente noodles so they hold up well during baking.
• Neglecting Seasoning: A bland sauce will make the dish less appealing. Season your meat sauce generously with herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
• Not Allowing to Rest: Cutting into the lasagna too soon can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes after baking for better slicing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store lasagna in an airtight container.
• It lasts about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure it cools before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Meat Lovers Lasagna

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Meat Lovers Lasagna

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a slice to a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meat Lovers Lasagna?

Meat Lovers Lasagna is a hearty Italian dish loaded with layers of cheese, rich meat sauce, and tender pasta. It’s perfect for meat enthusiasts!

Can I customize my Meat Lovers Lasagna?

Absolutely! You can use different meats like ground turkey or lamb and add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.

How do I know when my Meat Lovers Lasagna is done?

Lasagna is done when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. A food thermometer should read at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare Meat Lovers Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

Conclusion

This Meat Lovers Lasagna recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. Whether you stick to traditional ingredients or get creative with different meats and veggies, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try!