Meat and Pumpkin Lasagna
What Started it all:
Meat and pumpkin lasagna
This Meat and Pumpkin Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. Combining savory meat sauce with sweet pumpkin puree, this lasagna is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The layers of pasta, meat, and creamy pumpkin create a delicious and comforting meal that serves four people.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, egg, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the pumpkin mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pumpkin layer. Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This Meat and Pumpkin Lasagna is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the best of savory and sweet. Perfect for a family dinner, it's sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy this delicious twist on a classic lasagna recipe!