Ree Drummond the Pioneer Woman is big time famous cause she cooks stuff that taste homey from her ranch in Oklahoma. Shes got a TV show and tons of cookbooks, and folks just cant get enough of her easy, yummy recipes.
This write-up is gonna dig into her famous lasagna and show you how to make it yourself. Whether you know your way around a stove or your only cooking is instant noodles this recipe is built to be friendly. Ill break down all the stuff you need, the steps to follow and some tricks so your lasagna turns out great.
What is Pioneer Woman Lasagna?
Pioneer Woman Lasagna is really just lasagna with Ree Drummonds spin on it. It tastes rich and stick to your ribs cause she layers meat, cheese and sauce in a deep pan. Its the kind of meal that brings people together on a cold night.
The big things that make this lasagna special is its layers of beef or sausage, creamy cheeses and tangy marinara. She even throws in cottage cheese with ricotta so it gets extra smooth. And dont forget the cheesy top thats all bubbly when it comes out the oven.
Ree says she got the idea from living on her ranch and feeding a hungry family after a day of chores. Every ingrediant is picked to be simple and fill you up good, so you feel the love in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna
If you want comfort food thats like a hug, this is it. Every bite is warm, cheesy and packed with meat. Its perfect for chilly evenings or when your relatives are comin over.
Plus kids and grown ups gobble it down the same. Most people already have the ingrediants in their kitchen so its not hard even if youre just startin out cooking.
You can even make it ahead, stick it in the fridge and bake it later, or freeze it for a day you dont wanna cook. Its super handy and mess free once you get the hang of it.
Key Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
The basics you need to build this lasagna:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Main source of protein and flavor depth.
- Egg noodles: They hold up better than lasagna noodles if you ask me, and soak up all that sauce.
- Marinara sauce: Jarred or homemade, its the glue that ties every layer together.
- Cottage cheese and/or ricotta: They add creaminess so the meat isnt too dry.
- Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese: For that gooey cheesy top youll want.
Optional Ingredients
If you wanna get fancy or just add more stuff:
- Spinach or other veggies: A handful of greens sneaks in some healthy stuff.
- Different meats: Try ground turkey or chopped chicken for a lighter meal.
- Herbs and seasonings: A pinch of basil, oregano or garlic makes it smell and taste even better.
Detailed Recipe Section
Ingredients List
Here is all you need to whip up Pioneer Woman Lasagna:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 oz egg noodles
Directions
- Preheat your oven: Crank it to 375°F (190°C) so its hot when youre ready to bake.
- Cook the meats: Brown the beef and sausage in a skillet on medium heat till no pink shows. Dump out any extra fat.
- Mix the cheeses: In a bowl stir together ricotta, cottage cheese, and a lil salt and pepper.
- Boil the noodles: Follow the package and cook them till they are al dente. Then drain them good.
- Assemble: Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Spread some sauce, then noodles, meat, cheese mixes, and sprinkle mozzarella. Keep layering till its full.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25-30 min. Then take off foil and bake another 15-20 min till top is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it sit 10-15 minutes before you cut. This helps it not fall apart. Dig in.
Tips and Advice for Making Lasagna
These tips can make your lasagna even better:
- Fresh herbs give more flavor then dried ones, so if you got basil or oregano grab em.
- Let the lasagna cool a bit before slicing or it will be gooey mess.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions for later.
pioneer woman lasagna
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 pot for boiling pasta
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 ounces crushed tomatoes 2 cans (15 ounces each)
- 12 ounces tomato paste 2 cans (6 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 12 noodles lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 4 noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella cheese, and a third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Finish with a top layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
