Best Almost Lasagna Recipes

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ALMOST LASAGNA - RACHAEL RAY



Almost Lasagna - Rachael Ray image

This is a recipe from Rachael Ray. I have not tried it but it looks great! Easier than lasagna, because it's not, this pasta, meat sauce and ricotta toss-up is just as hearty and comforting as the layered Italian fave, but it's ready in a fraction of the time and with much less effort.

Provided by jnkmiles

Categories     Meat

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb curly short cut pasta (recommended campanelle by Barilla, fusilli or cavatappi)
coarse salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1 lb ground sirloin
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, eyeball it in your palm
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon allspice, eyeball it in your palm
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup dry red wine, a couple of glugs
1/2 cup beef stock
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup fresh basil, about 20 leaves
1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, a couple of handfuls, plus some to pass at table

Steps:

  • Heat a large pot of water to boil for pasta. Salt water and cook pasta to al dente. Heads up: you will need a ladle of the starchy cooking water to help form sauce before draining.
  • Heat a deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan. Add the meat and break it up into small bits as it caramelizes. Once meat has good color to it, 4 to 5 minutes, add garlic, onions and red pepper flakes and season with salt, pepper, allspice and Worcestershire sauce. Cook another 5 minutes, deglaze the meat and onions with red wine, cook off a minute, then combine about 1/2 cup of stock into the meat. Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a bubble. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Place ricotta cheese in the bottom of a shallow bowl. Add a ladleful of boiling, starchy pasta water to the ricotta and stir to combine. Add a couple of handfuls of grated Parmesan to the ricotta and mix it inches.
  • Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with cheeses. Add half the thick meat sauce to the pasta bowl and combine. Tear or shred the basil and add to the meat and pasta, toss again. Taste to adjust salt and pepper. Serve bowlfuls of Not-sagna with extra sauce on top and more grated Parmesan to pass at the table.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 996.4, Fat 36.1, SaturatedFat 14.4, Cholesterol 111.8, Sodium 891.1, Carbohydrate 108.1, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 11.2, Protein 53.5

ALMOST LASAGNA



Almost Lasagna image

An Anne Coleman recipe. Help keeping dinner on a budget. Serve with garlic bread and a salad and you have a great meal!

Provided by Lisa Durham

Categories     Turkey

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked
1 lb ground turkey, (or beef, chicken, sausage or tofu crumbles)
1 jar(s) pasta sauce, (26 ounces)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 lb ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 c diced zucchini, matchstick carrots, etc
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Brown meat and drain well, if necessary
  • 2. While meat is cooking, stir together eggs, ricotta, grated Parmesan and salt and pepper.
  • 3. Mix cooked meat, macaroni, sauce and veggies. Add ricotta mixture and blend well.
  • 4. Coat a 9-by-13 baking pan with cooking spray or olive oil and spread half of macaroni mixture evenly over the bottom. Top with a cup of mozzarella and a healthy sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Add the remaining macaroni mixture and top with another cup of mozzarella and another sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover with foil.
  • 5. Heat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake the casserole for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is lightly browned and bubbly.

ALMOST LASAGNA



Almost Lasagna image

This is a creamy and satisfying twist on an old Italian classic!

Provided by Catherine Cappiello Pappas

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 21

for the sauce:
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
4 cloves garlic - chopped
1 onion - sliced
2 bay leaves
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
¼ tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. sugar
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
for lasagna:
2 large zucchini's - sliced lengthwise with the skin
2 ½ lbs. ground beef
6 medium to large potatoes
olive oil for drizzling
½ cup milk
1 cup plain yogurt - plus ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. black pepper, ½ tsp. cinnamon, juice of ½ lemon
the sauce from the above recipe
grated parmesan or romano cheese

Steps:

  • 1. For the Sauce: Heat a sauce pot with the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and sauté on medium low until the onion is transparent. Add the crushed tomatoes and the chicken broth and continue to simmer on low. Add all of the seasonings and simmer on low; partially covered. For Lasagna: Preheat Oven 325 degrees: Sauté the ground beef in a frying pan and then drain any fat and set the ground beef aside. Boil the potatoes with the skin until fork tender; then let cool; slice and set aside.. Heat a large frying pan with two tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the zucchini slices until slightly golden; then set aside. Combine the yogurt, milk and all the seasoning and lemon juice. Briskly stir with a fork. Add the yogurt combination to the sautéed ground beef and toss. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil at the bottom of a baking pan and lay out a layer of potato slices. Spoon the ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes and then spoon the tomato sauce and grate cheese on top. Next, layer the zucchini and repeat with the potatoes and continue until everything is used up. Finish with the sauce and grated cheese. Bake 35-40 minutes.

ALMOST LASAGNA



ALMOST LASAGNA image

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Tomato     Bake     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Casserole/Gratin

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked, (or other similarly shaped pasta-like small shells)
1 pound Ground turkey, (or beef, chicken, sausage or tofu crumbles)
1 jar Pasta Sauce, (at least 26 ounces it was dry the first time)
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 pound Ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 cups Veggies , (diced zucchini, matchstick carrots, etc.)
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Brown meat and drain well, if necessary. While meat is cooking, stir together eggs, ricotta, grated Parmesan and salt and pepper. Mix cooked meat, macaroni, sauce and veggies. Add ricotta mixture and blend well. Coat a 9-by-13 baking pan with cooking spray or olive oil and spread half of macaroni mixture evenly over the bottom. Top with a cup of mozzarella and a healthy sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Add the remaining macaroni mixture and top with another cup of mozzarella and another sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover with foil. Coat a 9-by-13 baking pan with cooking spray or olive oil and spread half of macaroni mixture evenly over the bottom. Top with a cup of mozzarella and a healthy sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Add the remaining macaroni mixture and top with another cup of mozzarella and another sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover with foil. Heat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake the casserole for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is lightly browned and bubbly.

ALMOST LASAGNA -- $1.50 PER SERVING



Almost Lasagna -- $1.50 Per Serving image

We make a version of lasagna that I call "Almost Lasagna" that is very versatile and easy to make ahead and heat later. Add crusty bread and bagged salad, and dinner is complete! To make the dish even cheaper, buy cheeses, pasta and sauce in bulk at your local warehouse store. Double or even triple the recipe and store in the freezer to bake off later.

Provided by ElizabethKnicely

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked
1 lb ground turkey
1 (26 ounce) jar pasta sauce
freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 lb ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup diced zucchini
1 cup matchstick carrot
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Brown meat and drain well, if necessary.
  • While meat is cooking, stir together eggs, ricotta, grated Parmesan and salt and pepper.
  • Mix cooked meat, macaroni, sauce and veggies. Add ricotta mixture and blend well.
  • Coat a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray or olive oil and spread half of macaroni mixture evenly over the bottom. Top with a cup of mozzarella and a healthy sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Add the remaining macaroni mixture and top with another cup of mozzarella and another sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover with foil.
  • Heat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is lightly browned and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 795.1, Fat 30.6, SaturatedFat 14.5, Cholesterol 185.2, Sodium 957, Carbohydrate 81.8, Fiber 6.9, Sugar 16.5, Protein 46.6

ALMOST LASAGNA RECIPE - (4.7/5)



Almost Lasagna Recipe - (4.7/5) image

Provided by ladygourmet

Number Of Ingredients 21

For the Sauce:
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
4 cloves garlic - chopped
1 onion - sliced
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
For Lasagna:
2 large zucchini's - sliced lengthwise with the skin
2 1/2 lbs. ground beef
6 medium to large potatoes
Olive oil for drizzling
1/2 cup milk
1 cup plain yogurt - plus 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, juice of 1/2 lemon
The sauce from the above recipe
Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Steps:

  • For the Sauce: Heat a sauce pot with the olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and sauté on medium low until the onion is transparent. Add the crushed tomatoes and the chicken broth and continue to simmer on low. Add all of the seasonings and simmer on low; partially covered. For Lasagna: Preheat Oven 325 degrees: Sauté the ground beef in a frying pan and then drain any fat and set the ground beef aside. Boil the potatoes with the skin until fork tender; then let cool; slice and set aside.. Heat a large frying pan with two tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the zucchini slices until slightly golden; then set aside. Combine the yogurt, milk and all the seasoning and lemon juice. Briskly stir with a fork. Add the yogurt combination to the sautéed ground beef and toss. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil at the bottom of a baking pan and lay out a layer of potato slices. Spoon the ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes and then spoon the tomato sauce and grate cheese on top. Next, layer the zucchini and repeat with the potatoes and continue until everything is used up. Finish with the sauce and grated cheese. Bake 35-40 minutes.

ALMOST LASAGNA



Almost Lasagna image

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb ground beef
1 pkg dry onion soup
1 box mastaccioli
8 oz cottage cheese
1 large jar spaghetti sauce
1 pkg (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella

Steps:

  • Brown the ground beef. Add the package of onion soup. Cook the pasta as directed on package and drain.
  • Combine all ingredients in a 9x12" casserole dish.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 0 g, Fat 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 g, Sodium 0 g, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 0 g

Almost lasagna recipes are a great way of enjoying the flavors of lasagna without going through the hassle of making one. Unlike traditional lasagna, that requires multiple layers and baking, almost lasagna recipes are quick and simple to prepare. Almost lasagna recipes are an excellent option for busy nights or when you crave the taste of the hearty lasagna, but don't have the time to make it from scratch. The almost lasagna recipes are versatile, and you can modify them to suit your taste by using different ingredients.

Why Almost Lasagna Recipes?

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish and a favorite of many people worldwide. However, making traditional lasagna takes time and effort, requiring several layers of noodles, cheeses, and sauces. Preparing a lasagna dish can be intimidating, especially for inexperienced cooks or for those who don't have enough time. Almost lasagna recipes help to solve this issue. They provide an excellent alternative to the traditional lasagna, and they are quick and easy to make.

Advantages of Almost Lasagna Recipes

The following are some of the benefits of using almost lasagna recipes:
Quick Preparation
One significant advantage of almost lasagna recipes is their quick preparation time. Unlike traditional lasagna recipes, which require baking and numerous layers, almost lasagna recipes can be prepared in less than an hour.
Minimal Cooking Skills Required
Most almost lasagna recipes are simple to make, and they do not require any advanced cooking skills. Even a beginner cook can whip up an amazingly delicious dish using one of the many almost lasagna recipes available.
Easy to Customize
The versatility of almost lasagna recipes is impressive. You can easily modify the flavor profile of an almost lasagna recipe by changing the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you could add spinach, chicken, or different cheeses to give your almost lasagna a unique flavor twist.
Low-Cost Ingredients
Ingredients for almost lasagna recipes are readily available in most grocery stores, and they are affordable. You do not have to break the bank when making this dish. In addition, many ingredients that you can use are budget-friendly, and you may already have them in your pantry or refrigerator.

Almost Lasagna Recipe Ideas

Meatball Almost Lasagna
This recipe is a twist on traditional lasagna, using meatballs instead of layers of pasta. Meatball almost lasagna recipe is simple to make and is sure to satisfy your cravings. To prepare this dish, you need to have meatballs, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian herbs, and mozzarella cheese.
Spinach Almost Lasagna
This recipe is perfect for those who love spinach. The spinach almost lasagna recipe replaces layers of pasta with spinach leaves. The recipe mostly includes spinach, tomato sauce, cheese, and some spices.
Eggplant Almost Lasagna
Eggplant almost lasagna replaces layers of pasta with thin slices of eggplant, making the dish lighter and healthier. This dish has a low calorie count, and it is perfect for those looking to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without consuming too many calories.
Chicken Almost Lasagna
This recipe uses chicken instead of the traditional ground beef to create a unique and delicious flavor. The chicken almost lasagna recipe is made of chicken, pasta sauce, cheese, and seasonings.

Conclusion

Almost lasagna recipes are an ideal option for those craving lasagna but do not have the time or culinary skills to prepare it from scratch. Almost lasagna recipes provide a quick and inexpensive way of enjoying the flavors of lasagna without committing to an extensive kitchen project. Furthermore, the recipes are versatile, and you can modify them to develop a unique and personalized flavor that suits your individual taste preferences. Try one of the almost lasagna recipes above, and you're sure to be impressed with the simplicity, affordability, and deliciousness of this dish.
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed all over the world. However, making authentic lasagna can be time-consuming and requires several ingredients. For those who want to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without putting in a lot of effort, almost lasagna recipes are a great alternative. Almost lasagna recipes are dishes that use similar ingredients to a traditional lasagna but do not require assembling the layers of pasta and filling. Instead, the ingredients are mixed together and baked in a casserole dish. While these recipes are less time-consuming, they can still be packed with flavor and provide all the deliciousness of classic lasagna. Here are some valuable tips to make your almost lasagna recipes even better:

Choose the right meat

Meat is an essential ingredient in any lasagna dish, and it is equally important in almost lasagna recipes. When choosing a meat for your almost lasagna, it is essential to pick one with a lot of flavor but not too much fat. Some great options include ground beef, turkey, and sausage. Ground beef and sausage are flavorful and add richness to the dish, while turkey is a lean option that is still flavorful. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you could try substituting the meat with lentils or mushrooms. Lentils are high in protein and fiber and have a meat-like texture, making them a great substitute for the traditional meat. Mushrooms add a meaty texture to dishes and have a lot of umami flavor, which complements the other ingredients well.

Choose the right cheese

Cheese is another essential ingredient in almost lasagna recipes. The classic cheeses used in lasagna are mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan. For almost lasagna recipes, you can use the same cheeses or experiment with different ones. Mozzarella is an excellent cheese to use in almost lasagna recipes because it melts well and adds a creamy texture to the dish. Ricotta is another great option because it adds a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Parmesan is a hard cheese that is often used for grating, but it is also great for adding a nutty flavor to the dish. If you are looking to experiment with different cheeses, try using a blend of cheeses. For example, you could use cheddar, Monterey jack, and provolone for a more robust flavor.

Get the right consistency

The consistency of the dish is an important factor in almost lasagna recipes. You want the dish to be creamy and hold together well, so it is essential to get the right consistency. To get the right consistency, use enough sauce and cheese. The sauce binds the ingredients together and keeps them moist, while the cheese adds creaminess and texture. Don't be afraid to add a little extra cheese or sauce to get the right consistency.

Don't overcook the pasta

Almost lasagna recipes don't use traditional lasagna noodles but instead use other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. It is important not to overcook the pasta because it will continue to cook in the oven. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help to remove any excess starch, which can make the pasta gummy.

Use flavorful herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are the key to adding flavor to any dish, including almost lasagna recipes. Use herbs and spices that complement the other ingredients in the dish. Some classic herbs and spices used in lasagna include oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic. These herbs and spices add a lot of flavor and aroma to the dish. If you want to experiment with different flavors, try using cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a more robust flavor.

Layer the ingredients

Even though almost lasagna recipes don't require layering, you can still layer the ingredients to add depth to the dish. Start with a layer of pasta, then add the meat, sauce, and cheese. Repeat the layers until you have used all the ingredients. Layering the ingredients will ensure that every bite has a little bit of everything, and it will also make the dish look more visually appealing.

Conclusion

Almost lasagna recipes are a great alternative to traditional lasagna, and they can be just as delicious. Keep these valuable tips in mind when making your next almost lasagna dish, and you will be sure to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

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