In a culinary world brimming with innovation, the fusion of traditional recipes has paved the way for exciting, novel dishes that tantalize the taste buds and stir the imagination. Today, we’re venturing into the kitchen to blend two beloved classics into one hearty, comforting meal: Lasagna Meatloaf. This recipe is a game-changer for those evenings when the indecision between a succulent meatloaf and a cheesy lasagna hits. Why choose when you can have the best of both?
Ingredients: A Blend of Tradition and Comfort
For the Meatloaf Mix:
- Ground beef (20% fat): 1 pound
- Ground turkey (pork is optional): 1 pound
- Egg: 1
- Onion, diced: 1
- Garlic, minced: 5 cloves
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup
- Tomato paste: 3 oz
- Panko breadcrumbs: 3/4 cup
- Milk: 1/3 cup
- Dried Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
To Build it:
- Lasagna noodles (fully cooked): 6 full
- Ricotta cheese: 3/4 cup
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 1 cup
For the Sauce:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Shallot, minced: 1
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Tomato paste: 3 oz
- Crushed tomatoes: 14 oz
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 1/4 cup
Directions: Crafting the Perfect Fusion
- Preparation Starts in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), setting the stage for what’s to become a beautifully baked creation.
- Mixing the Foundation: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients. The blend of ground beef and turkey (or pork), coupled with the rich flavors of herbs and spices, lays the foundation for our dish.
- Laying the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles until they’re slightly undercooked – they’ll cook further in the oven. Lay two noodles overlapping on a parchment-lined sheet pan to start your lasagna meatloaf base.
- Layering the Flavors: Spread a quarter of the meat mixture over the noodles, then layer with a third of the ricotta and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat this layering process, ending with a meat layer, to build a rectangular loaf brimming with flavors.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake your creation for 30 minutes. While it bakes, you’ll have the perfect window to prepare the sauce.
- Simmering the Sauce: In a saucepan, sauté the shallots and garlic in olive oil. Add in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and honey, letting it all simmer for 20 minutes. This sauce will add a tangy sweetness that complements the savory meatloaf.
- The Final Bake: Once the meatloaf has baked for 30 minutes, generously spread your homemade sauce over it, and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes. This final bake infuses the meatloaf with the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Resting: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to letting your lasagna meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving. This rest period ensures that every slice is perfect.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Calories: 587 per serving
- Servings: 6
Conclusion
This Lasagna Meatloaf recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a fusion of comfort, tradition, and innovation. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat your family to a memorable dinner, this dish promises to deliver satisfaction and warmth with every bite. So, tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that bridges the gap between two timeless classics. Happy cooking!
Lasagna Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Lasagna Meatloaf represents a delectable fusion of classic Italian and hearty American comfort foods, creating a dish that’s both innovative and nostalgically familiar. It pairs the rich flavors of a traditional meatball with the layered, cheesy indulgence of lasagna, offering a culinary experience that satisfies the soul and the stomach. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is a testament to the joys of kitchen experimentation and the pleasures of home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
Meatloaf mix:
1 pound ground beef (20% fat)
1 pound ground turkey (pork optional)
1 egg
1 onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 oz tomato paste
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Build it:
6 full lasagna noodles
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 oz tomato paste
14 oz crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup honey
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl until fully combined.
Boil lasagna noodles until slightly undercooked. Lay two noodles overlapping on a parchment-lined sheet pan, remove, then set the base with 1/4 of the meat mix.
Place noodles back, top with 1/3 ricotta and some mozzarella. Repeat layering, ending with meat. Shape into a rectangular loaf.
Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, for the sauce, sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil, add tomato paste, then tomatoes, Worcestershire, and honey. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Spread sauce over meatloaf, bake for another 15 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 587