Rice Lasagna
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this hearty and unique Rice Lasagna recipe, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that swaps traditional pasta sheets for layers of perfectly cooked white rice. This comforting casserole features a rich and flavorful meat sauce made with seasoned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a blend of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, all nestled between creamy ricotta cheese and gooey layers of mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, this easy-to-make dish offers a gluten-free alternative that's just as satisfying as the original. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, Rice Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s sure to become a new favorite. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups White rice (uncooked)
- 4 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor, then add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add an even layer of cooked rice, pressing it down gently.
Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the rice, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process (rice, ricotta, sauce, and cheeses) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cut into slices and serve warm. Enjoy your Rice Lasagna!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
770 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.0 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.6 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1236 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.3 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 38.5 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 582 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 730 mg | 16% | |
*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.
