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Cowboy Lasagna

Cowboy Lasagna
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Cowboy Lasagna is a hearty and flavorful comfort food dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and tender lasagna noodles. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this southwestern-inspired casserole combines bold spices and simple ingredients for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8–10 lasagna noodles

Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup cream or sour cream

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • Jalapeños or hot sauce (to taste)
  • Additional veggies like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini (1 cup total, chopped)
  • Toasted breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers, and cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to build a rich southwestern flavor base.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking while assembling the lasagna.
  3. Mix the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In a bowl, combine tomato sauce with cream or sour cream to create a rich, tangy sauce that balances the savory beef.
  4. Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, start with a layer of the meat mixture, then add a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread a generous amount of the tomato cream sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering until the dish is full, finishing with a thick layer of cheese on top.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled lasagna for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes to set before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions and bell peppers for deeper flavor.
  • Do not overcook noodles; they should be slightly firm before baking to avoid mushy layers.
  • Spread each layer evenly for balanced flavors.
  • Allow lasagna to rest after baking to slice cleanly.
  • For added texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy lasagna, southwestern lasagna, comfort food, ground beef casserole, cheesy lasagna, easy dinner, gluten free lasagna

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/cowboy-lasagna/