Barefoot Contessa’s Lasagna with Turkey Sausage Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Lasagna with Turkey Sausage, a beloved recipe adapted from the Barefoot Contessa’s Family Style cookbook. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish combines layers of savory turkey sausage, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender lasagna noodles.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 692 per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
- 15 dry lasagna noodles
- 4 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven and Prepare Sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
-
Cook Turkey Sausage:
- Add the turkey sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
-
Prepare Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, chopped basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
-
Prepare Lasagna Noodles:
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the lasagna noodles. Fill a large bowl with very hot tap water and add the dry lasagna noodles. Let them soak in the water for about 20 minutes to soften. Drain well.
-
Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix well and set aside.
-
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Ladle 1/3 of the tomato sauce into a 9x12x2-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
- Layer half of the soaked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Repeat layers with half of the mozzarella cheese and another 1/3 of the tomato sauce.
- Repeat with the remaining noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and remaining tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle the top evenly with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
-
Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- This lasagna can also be prepared ahead of time. Simply refrigerate it after assembling, and then bake as directed when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 692
- Total Fat: 40.6g
- Saturated Fat: 18.5g
- Cholesterol: 168.6mg
- Sodium: 1677.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35.5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8.2g
- Protein: 46.5g
Notes:
- This lasagna recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors with turkey sausage adding a lean twist to the classic Italian dish.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference, and feel free to add more herbs or spices for an extra kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this lasagna with turkey sausage promises to be a crowd-pleaser with its rich layers of flavors and comforting textures. Enjoy creating this delicious dish from the Barefoot Contessa’s repertoire in your own kitchen! 🍝