Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: 4 days in fridge, freeze for individual portions.
Quick Answer
This Texas Lasagna is a layered dish that combines the flavors of the Southwest with the comfort of classic lasagna, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings.
As the Golden Hour envelops New York City, the crisp autumn air begins to hint at the heartwarming gatherings that come with Thanksgiving and Christmas. As I rummaged through my recipe collection, I stumbled upon a soul-satisfying dish that perfectly embodies the comforting spirit of these holidays: Texas Lasagna. This layered delight marries the robust flavors of the Southwest with the classic appeal of traditional lasagna, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday feasts.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
- Easy to prepare, with layers of flavor that will impress your guests.
- Versatile - customize with your favorite cheeses and spices.
- Can be made ahead, making meal prep a breeze during busy holidays.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, ensuring you can enjoy this dish for days.
Ingredients
This Texas Lasagna features a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Layers:
- 8-10 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
How to Make Texas Lasagna (Step-by-Step)
This Texas Lasagna is easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, I add a splash of olive oil, tossing in the diced onion and green bell pepper. The sound of these veggies hitting the hot pan is music to my ears. As they soften, I sprinkle in the minced garlic, allowing its fragrant aroma to fill my kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Once the onions are translucent, I add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. I break it apart with my spatula, allowing it to brown evenly. After cooking through, I drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Step 3: Mix in the Goodies
I stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The vibrant colors tantalize my senses as I let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Prep the Layers
In a large baking dish, I spread a layer of salsa on the bottom to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. I layer on the uncooked lasagna noodles, half of the meat mixture, ½ cup of cottage cheese, and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Using my spatula, I continue layering with noodles, meat mixture, cottage cheese, and cheese until everything is utilized. I finish with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining salsa and shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
I cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F. After 30 minutes, I remove the foil to reveal the bubbling, golden cheesy masterpiece beneath and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a beautifully browned top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not cooking the meat thoroughly: Make sure to brown the ground meat well; this enhances flavor and texture.
- Skipping the saucing step: A layer of salsa or sauce at the bottom prevents sticking and enhances moistness.
- Using overcooked noodles: Since you're using uncooked noodles, they'll soak up moisture while baking-cooked ones will turn mushy.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist on flavor.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture if you like a little more heat.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day before and refrigerate; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations
- Use ground chicken or sausage instead of beef or turkey.
- Substitute quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Incorporate different vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a hearty dining experience.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Assemble the lasagna a day before and refrigerate; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350°F.
- You can freeze individual portions for quick weeknight dinners; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Each layer tells a delicious story, and I've learned that the combination of flavors gets even better the next day. This lasagna not only fills the stomach but warms the heart, making it an ideal dish for sharing during the holiday season. Whether you're welcoming family or friends, this Texas Lasagna will surely become a tradition in your home, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 servings · Serving Size: 1 piece
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~420 calories · 25g protein · 45g carbs · 18g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Texas Lasagna for Cozy Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté diced onion and green bell pepper until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat after browning, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
- Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of salsa on the bottom. Add a layer of uncooked noodles, half the meat mixture, ½ cup cottage cheese, and some shredded cheddar cheese.
- Continue layering with noodles, meat mixture, cottage cheese, and cheese. Finish with noodles and top with remaining salsa and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until top is golden brown.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in Texas Lasagna?
Absolutely! While ground beef and turkey are popular options, you can also use ground chicken, lamb, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Texas Lasagna a day in advance. Just refrigerate it overnight and remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook it.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350°F.
