Get ready to experience a bold and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food with "Down South Lasagna." This hearty recipe blends the rich, savory layers of traditional lasagna with the irresistible warmth of Southern cuisine. Featuring a robust meat sauce made with ground beef, smoky Andouille sausage, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, each bite is packed with depth and spice. Creamy ricotta and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses add decadence, while smoked paprika lends a subtle, smoky aroma. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this Southern-inspired lasagna is an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for comforting, soul-warming flavors. Don't forget the garnish of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish! Perfect for eight, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the diced Andouille sausage and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt together until well combined.
To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce and one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Calories |
6776 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 327.2 g | 419% | |
| Saturated Fat | 160.3 g | 802% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1359 mg | 453% | |
| Sodium | 9680 mg | 421% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 639.4 g | 233% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.5 g | 166% | |
| Total Sugars | 80.7 g | ||
| Protein | 360.9 g | 722% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 5484 mg | 422% | |
| Iron | 51.8 mg | 288% | |
| Potassium | 7434 mg | 158% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.