Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna: A Hearty Homage to Southern Comfort
In the heart of Southern cuisine, where flavors are bold, and comfort is paramount, Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna stands as a testament to the art of down-home cooking. This hearty dish, inspired by the country-western spirit, brings together layers of rich flavors that create a symphony of comfort on a plate. Join us on a culinary adventure as we unravel the secrets behind Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna, a recipe that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary craftsmanship.
Ingredients:
To embark on the creation of Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna, gather the following ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add Tomato Goodness: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and a beaten egg. Mix until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Layers: Begin assembling the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a portion of the meat sauce and a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat this process for the second layer.
- Finish with Cheese: Top the lasagna with the remaining three noodles, a final layer of meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with 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 melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden.
- Let it Rest: Allow the Cowboy Lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving. Slice into generous portions and enjoy the hearty goodness of Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna.
Cook Notes:
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld even more, and it makes dinner prep a breeze.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar can add extra depth to the dish.
- Customize the Meat Sauce: Add a touch of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into the meat sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Variations:
Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a medley of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Add a layer of spinach for extra freshness.
Tex-Mex Fiesta: Infuse a Tex-Mex flair by adding a can of black beans, corn kernels, and diced green chilies to the meat sauce. Top the lasagna with sliced jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
White Sauce Wonder: Switch things up by creating a creamy white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Layer the lasagna with this decadent white sauce, spinach, and a blend of Italian cheeses.
Keto Version:
To adapt Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna to a keto lifestyle, replace the lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. Substitute the tomato sauce with a low-carb marinara, and be mindful of the carb content in the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
Low-Carb Version:
For a low-carb twist, use low-carb lasagna noodles or thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. Opt for a tomato sauce with reduced sugar or make your own using fresh tomatoes. Choose full-fat cheeses for richness without the added carbs.
Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna is more than a meal; it’s a journey through the heart of Southern comfort and culinary excellence. As you savor each layer of this hearty dish, you’re not just enjoying a lasagna; you’re partaking in a tradition that spans generations. Whether shared with family on a cozy evening or served at a lively gathering of friends, this lasagna embodies the warmth and generosity of Southern hospitality. So, gather around, slice into the layers of flavor, and let Trisha Yearwood’s Cowboy Lasagna become a cherished chapter in your culinary repertoire.
