How to make Homemade Four Cheese Lasagna With Mexican Sausage And Beef
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
5 links mild Mexican sausage
1 pound lasagna noodles (about 12)
2 12 oz jars pasta sauce
2 1/2 Tbsp good tomato paste
2 16 oz bags shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 c. grated Romano cheese
2 1/2 c. Ricotta cheese
3 cups spinach
1 beaten egg
1 small onion diced
3 cloves minced garlic
1/4 c. roasted red peppers
1 tsp Mexican seasoning
All purpose seasoning blend to taste
Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°.
Cook pasta according to package instructions, rinse, and set aside. (Lay them separately on a cookie sheet).
In a heavy saucepan brown the ground beef and Mexican sausage (remove from casing and break up with a fork) Mix in onion, red peppers, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until browned well, drain fat off.
Add pasta sauce, tomato paste and season to taste with all-purpose blend. Add Mexican seasoning, cover, and simmer on med-low for 30 minutes. (For optimal flavor, cook sauce the day before).
*OPTIONAL I add 1 tsp sugar.
While sauce is simmering, in a mixing bowl combine 1 bag of the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Romano, and Parmesan with a beaten egg, spinach, and parsley.
Add 1 c. meat sauce to the bottom of the baking dish, top with lasagna noodles, spoon on cheese mixture. Repeat. Finish with noodles topped with sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and add additional cheese if desired and bake another 10 minutes until lightly golden brown and bubbly.
Allow resting 20 minutes before cutting.
*I did have about a pint of sauce left. Put in the freezer bag for a quick lunch one day!
ENJOY !
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 8 | SEVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 700 | Total Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1200mg | Total Carbohydrate: 40g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 40g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and Mexican sausage. Instead, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and ricotta cheese, you can experiment with different cheese combinations based on your preferences.
Try incorporating cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for variety.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Assemble the lasagna according to the recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove the covering and follow the baking instructions.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover lasagna for future consumption. Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then slice it into individual portions.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
The frozen lasagna can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I substitute the Mexican sausage with a different type of sausage?
If you can’t find mild Mexican sausage or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with other types of sausage such as Italian sausage or chorizo.
Adjust the seasonings accordingly to complement the chosen sausage variety.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef and Mexican sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the meats with other options like ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative for a vegetarian version.
Adjust the seasonings and cooking time accordingly to suit the meat you choose.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular ones. Follow the instructions on the package for layering and adjust the baking time if necessary, as no-boil noodles may require less cooking time.
Can I prepare the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it overnight?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna according to the recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight.
This allows the flavors to meld together, and you can simply bake it the next day as instructed.
Can I customize the cheese mixture?
Yes, feel free to experiment with the cheese mixture. You can add different types of cheese, such as fontina, provolone, or cheddar, to create your desired flavor profile.
Just ensure that the total amount of cheese remains similar to the recipe for proper consistency.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this lasagna?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and Mexican sausage. Instead, you can incorporate additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Sauté the vegetables until tender and layer them with the cheese mixture and sauce for a delicious vegetarian lasagna.