Best Cowboy Lasagna Easy Recipe (Trisha Yearwood’s) Recipe

Introduction

This Best Cowboy Lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish inspired by Trisha Yearwood’s easy recipe. Combining layers of seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and three kinds of cheese, it’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

A close-up view of a slice of baked lasagna being lifted from a clear glass pan, showing several layers: a top layer of melted, golden brown cheese with some crispy edges, underneath a rich red tomato sauce dotted with browned ground meat, with thin slices of pepperoni visible in the layers, and creamy melted cheese stretching between the lifted slice and pan. The background has three ripe red tomatoes and a red and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface, with some fresh green basil leaves in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb browned ground beef
  • 1 lb browned Italian sausage
  • 2 jars tomato-based pasta sauce
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • 12 oz pepperoni (approximately two packages)
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 oz ricotta cheese
  • 4 oz grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage separately over medium heat in a frying pan. Once cooked through, drain excess fat if needed and set both meats aside.
  2. Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread several spoonfuls of pasta sauce evenly across the bottom to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Begin layering your lasagna: place 3 noodles in the dish, then spread ⅓ of the pasta sauce over them. Follow with ⅓ of the browned ground beef, ⅓ of the Italian sausage, ⅓ of the pepperoni slices, ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese, ⅓ of the ricotta cheese, and ⅓ of the Parmesan cheese.
  5. Step 5: Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
  6. Step 6: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake in the middle rack of your oven for 45-55 minutes, until bubbly and heated through. If you prefer less browning on top, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot with your favorite garlic bread and a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add chopped onions and garlic to the browned meats before layering.
  • Swap out pepperoni for sliced mushrooms or sautéed vegetables for a milder version.
  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and skip the boiling step.
  • If you like spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat while cooking.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked lasagna in a clear glass baking dish shows three visible layers: the bottom layer is a deep red tomato sauce, the middle layer is a mix of brown cooked ground meat and sauce, and the top layer is thick, melted golden brown cheese with some crispy edges. The lasagna sits on a white marbled surface with fresh green basil leaves in the foreground and a few red tomatoes in the background. The edges of the cheese are browned nicely, giving a textured, bubbly look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar creamy texture.

Print

Best Cowboy Lasagna Easy Recipe (Trisha Yearwood’s) Recipe

Trisha Yearwood’s Best Cowboy Lasagna is a hearty, flavorful dish combining browned ground beef, Italian sausage, layers of lasagna noodles, pepperoni, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. This easy recipe combines traditional Italian flavors with a cowboy twist, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb browned ground beef
  • 1 lb browned Italian sausage

Pasta

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions

Sauce

  • 2 jars tomato-based pasta sauce

Cheese

  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 oz ricotta cheese
  • 4 oz grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 12 oz pepperonis (two packages)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
  2. Brown Meats: In a frying pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage separately until fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Cook Noodles: Prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, typically boiling until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Spoon several spoonfuls of the tomato-based pasta sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  5. Layer Ingredients: Begin layering in the following order: place 3 lasagna noodles, then spread one third of the pasta sauce over them. Add one third of the browned ground beef, one third of the Italian sausage, one third of the pepperonis, followed by one third of the shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with the cheeses on top.
  6. Bake Lasagna: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and put it in the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. For less browned cheese on top, cover lightly with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. This lasagna pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Layering evenly ensures every bite has a delicious combination of ingredients.
  • You can substitute the pepperoni with sliced cooked ham or cooked bacon for a variation.
  • Covering with foil during baking keeps the cheese from over-browning if desired.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for convenience.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking before slicing to help it set.

Keywords: cowboy lasagna, Trisha Yearwood, easy lasagna recipe, baked pasta, ground beef lasagna, Italian sausage lasagna

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