Homemade Paula Deen Lasagna Recipe: Cheesy Comfort Magic

Paula Deen’s lasagna whispers comfort and nostalgia, beckoning families to the dinner table with its irresistible aroma.

Southern charm meets Italian culinary magic in this decadent layered masterpiece.

Tender pasta sheets embrace a robust, seasoned meat sauce that dances with rich flavors.

Creamy cottage cheese weaves unexpected smoothness through each tantalizing bite.

Generous portions guarantee smiles and satisfied hunger around the table.

Effortless to assemble, this recipe turns ordinary weeknight meals into extraordinary experiences.

This isn’t just food, it’s a celebration of home, love, and delicious tradition waiting to happen.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to create deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Lasagna

• Ground Chuck: Select well-marbled meat for rich, deep flavor and tender texture.
• Italian Sausage: Choose fresh sausage with robust herbal notes for enhanced depth.
• Chopped Onion: Pick firm, glossy onions without soft spots for maximum sweetness.
• Minced Garlic: Look for plump, firm cloves with smooth, tight skin for intense aroma.

• Cottage Cheese, Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano: Opt for high-quality, fresh cheeses with creamy consistency.
• Beaten Eggs: Select large, fresh eggs with vibrant yellow yolks for perfect binding.
• Chopped Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp herbs without wilting for fresh brightness.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Select ripe, rich-colored tomato products for authentic taste.
• Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground spices for more intense, robust flavor profiles.
• Lasagna Noodles, Mozzarella: Pick high-quality pasta and cheese for authentic, creamy texture.

Cooking Tools for Traditional Lasagna

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for browning meat and simmering sauce, with plenty of room to mix ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for blending cheese mixture smoothly and combining ingredients.
• 13 x 9 x 2-inch Baking Pan: Essential for creating beautiful layered lasagna with even cooking.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring meat and sauce without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately for consistent flavor.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from browned meat.
• Cheese Grater: Perfect for grating fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Handy for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dishes.

Lasagna Instructions from Paula Deen

• Kickstart the Flavor Explosion

Fire up your oven to 350°F and get ready for a mouth-watering culinary journey. This lasagna will make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Transform the Meat Base

In a large saucepan, brown ground chuck and Italian sausage with onions and garlic. Let the meat sizzle and crumble until perfectly cooked, then drain away any excess fat for a lean and delicious foundation.

• Craft the Sauce Symphony

Return the meat to the pan and introduce a harmony of herbs and seasonings. Pour in tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste. Let the mixture simmer and bubble, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for about 45 minutes.

• Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Layer

Blend cottage cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh parsley, and eggs into a silky smooth mixture that will add luxurious richness to your lasagna.

• Build the Lasagna Masterpiece

Layer your baking pan with a dance of sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Create multiple delicious layers that will make each bite a celebration of flavor.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the lasagna into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Serve and Savor

Let your lasagna rest for 10 minutes, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to settle. Slice, serve, and prepare for a culinary triumph that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips and Additions for Lasagna Layers

• Customize the Meat: Swap ground chuck and Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Boost Cheese Complexity: Experiment with different cheese combinations like ricotta, fontina, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic lasagna.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the meat sauce for an extra layer of depth and excitement.

Serving Ideas for Paula Deen’s Lasagna

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich lasagna flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Warm crusty garlic bread makes the perfect side, helping guests soak up every delicious bit of sauce on their plate.
• Complement with Wine: Pour a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the robust tomato and meat flavors of the lasagna.
• Create Family-Style Experience: Place the lasagna in the center of the table, letting everyone serve themselves and enjoy the communal dining moment.

Storage Solutions for Leftover Lasagna

• Preserve the Goodness: Refrigeration Techniques
• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze for Future Feasts
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for maximum protection. Freeze for up to 3 months, creating a convenient meal for busy days. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care
• Warm refrigerated lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For individual servings, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking temperature midway to ensure even heating.
• Portion and Protect
• Slice lasagna into individual servings before storing. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain the dish's delicious texture and flavor.

Creamy Paula Deen Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s lasagna brings layers of creamy ricotta, robust ground beef, and melted cheeses together in a comforting Italian-American classic. Rich pasta sheets combine with savory marinara, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) ground chuck
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground Italian sausage
• 2 (8 oz/227 g) packages shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1.5 cups small curd cottage cheese
• 1 (5 oz/142 g) package grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 2 large lightly beaten eggs
• 2 (15 oz/425 g) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano
• 1 (6 oz/170 g) can tomato paste
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tsps ground oregano
• 1 tsp ground basil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 9 oven ready lasagna noodles

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F with rack centered, creating optimal baking environment for lasagna.
2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, aggressively brown ground chuck and Italian sausage, incorporating finely diced onions and garlic until vegetables become translucent. Drain excess fat completely, preserving the robust meat essence.
3. Sauce Development: Infuse the meat mixture with aromatic herbs – oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Integrate diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste. Simmer slowly for 35-40 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and meld seamlessly.
4. Cheese Layer Creation: Whisk cottage cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, and eggs into a smooth, creamy mixture that will bind the lasagna’s layers together.
5. Assembly Technique: Spread a thin sauce base in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Layer noodles precisely, then methodically distribute cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella in three strategic layers, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor distribution.
6. Baking Process: Shield lasagna with aluminum foil, bake for 40 minutes. Uncover, crown with remaining mozzarella, and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
7. Resting Stage: Allow lasagna to settle for 12-15 minutes, enabling layers to solidify and flavors to harmonize, guaranteeing perfect cutting and serving consistency.

Notes

• Meat Selection Tip: Choose high-quality ground chuck with moderate fat content for richer, more flavorful meat sauce that doesn’t become greasy.
• Sauce Simmering Secret: Low and slow cooking develops deep, complex flavors; resist the urge to rush the sauce preparation.
• Cheese Mixing Technique: Whisk cheese mixture thoroughly to ensure smooth texture and even distribution of ingredients throughout lasagna layers.
• Resting Recommendation: Letting lasagna rest after baking allows layers to stabilize, making cleaner slices and preventing immediate sauce run-off.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 150mg