Cozy Joanna Gaines Dutch Oven Lasagna Recipe Made Simple

Joanna Gaines’s Dutch oven lasagna transforms comfort food into a culinary symphony that dances across your taste buds.

Her ingenious approach weaves classic pasta traditions with unexpected flavor twists that elevate home cooking.

Robust ingredients collide in a single pot, creating a meal that whispers nostalgia while shouting innovation.

Each layer tells a story of carefully curated textures and harmonious seasonings.

Hearty and uncomplicated, this recipe celebrates the art of simple yet spectacular dining.

Molten cheese, tender pasta, and rich sauce intertwine to craft a dish that feels like a loving kitchen hug.

Check out this irresistible lasagna and let its magic redefine your dinner experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 8

Dutch Oven Lasagna Ingredients by Joanna Gaines

• Ricotta Cheese: Select a smooth, fresh variety with a mild, milky flavor for perfect creaminess.
• Egg: Choose large, fresh eggs from free-range chickens for better binding and richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Pick bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for vibrant color and herbal punch.

• Ground Chuck, Italian Sausage: Look for high-quality, freshly ground meats with good fat content for deep flavor.
• Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red that's good for drinking to enhance sauce complexity.
• Marinara Sauce: Opt for authentic, San Marzano style tomato sauce with robust, bright tomato notes.
• Diced Onions, Minced Garlic: Select firm, aromatic varieties without soft spots for maximum flavor depth.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Choose bright red, fragrant flakes for gentle heat and zesty undertone.

• No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: Pick sturdy, uniform noodles that absorb sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Basil: Select vibrant, aromatic leaves without dark spots for garnish.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for rich, fruity undertone when sautéing.

What Tools You’ll Need for Dutch Oven Lasagna

• Dutch oven: Heavy-bottomed pot perfect for layering and even cooking.
• Small bowl: Handy for mixing ricotta blend with egg and parsley.
• Large heatproof bowl: Great for holding and mixing browned meat with sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and fresh basil.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from browned meat.
• Broiler (optional): Creates a golden, crispy top for the lasagna.
• Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly in the Dutch oven.

How to Make Joanna Gaines’ Lasagna in a Dutch Oven

• Whip Up Creamy Ricotta Mixture

Blend egg, ricotta, and parsley in a bowl, creating a smooth and fragrant base that will add richness to your lasagna.

• Sizzle and Brown Meats

Heat your cooking vessel and cook ground chuck and Italian sausage until they develop a deep, caramelized color. Drain excess fat, keeping just enough to enhance flavor.

• Craft Robust Marinara Sauce

Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic for a quick burst of aroma. Splash in red wine and sprinkle red pepper flakes for depth. Pour marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Build Delicious Layers

Spread the meaty sauce as your foundation. Arrange no-boil lasagna noodles, breaking them to create a perfect fit. Alternate layers of ricotta mixture and remaining ingredients, creating a delectable landscape of textures and tastes.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover and cook on low heat until noodles become tender and the dish bubbles with excitement. For a golden, crispy top, briefly broil the lasagna.

• Serve and Savor

Sprinkle fresh basil over the steaming lasagna. Allow it to rest briefly, then slice and serve this comforting masterpiece while it’s piping hot.

Tips & Tricks for Joanna’s Dutch Oven Lasagna

Mix up traditional ingredients with these exciting twists and pro tips.

Replace ground chuck with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that still deliver incredible flavor.

Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding fontina, provolone, or smoked mozzarella to create deeper, more complex taste profiles that will make your lasagna unforgettable.

Sneak extra nutrition by layering roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms between noodle layers, transforming this classic dish into a veggie-packed powerhouse without compromising deliciousness.

Prepare lasagna completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld beautifully and makes entertaining stress-free.

Serving Joanna Gaines’ Cozy Lasagna Dish

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich lasagna with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for balanced flavor and refreshing contrast.
• Create Wine Harmony: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the lasagna's robust meat and tomato notes.
• Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Cool Down with Side: Add a cool cucumber or caprese salad to cut through the lasagna's warmth and provide a light, fresh element to the plate.

How to Store Joanna Gaines’ Dutch Oven Lasagna

• Preserve Deliciousness: Smart Meal Storage Strategies
• Refrigerate leftover lasagna in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze Individual Portions: Pack single servings in freezer-safe containers for quick future meals, keeping them fresh up to 3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Maximize Flavor Longevity: Store lasagna in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture when properly sealed and chilled.

Hearty Joanna Gaines Dutch Oven Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines’ dutch oven lasagna combines rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheeses for a comforting family meal. Home cooks will savor each hearty bite of this classic Italian-American dish that brings warmth to dinner tables everywhere.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground chuck
• 1 lb (454 g) ground Italian sausage
• 32–48 oz (907–1361 g) marinara sauce (2 jars)
• 9 oz (255 g) no-boil lasagna noodles (1 box)
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta or cottage cheese (1 tub)
• 2 cups freshly shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry red wine
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Chopped fresh basil, optional for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ricotta Blend: Whisk egg, ricotta, and parsley in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined. Set mixture aside for layering.
2. Brown Meat Base: In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear ground chuck and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, keeping 2 tablespoons of drippings. Transfer meat to a separate bowl.
3. Aromatic Foundation: In the same Dutch oven, caramelize onions until translucent. Add garlic and quickly sauté, releasing fragrant notes. Deglaze with red wine, incorporating crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to develop deep flavors.
4. Construct Lasagna Layers: Pour initial marinara meat sauce into Dutch oven’s bottom. Layer no-boil lasagna noodles, breaking to fit completely. Alternate between ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and noodles, creating 3-4 strategic layers that ensure comprehensive coverage.
5. Slow Cook and Finish: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook lasagna for 30-40 minutes until noodles soften and dish heats thoroughly. Uncover and broil 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top surface.
6. Rest and Serve: Allow lasagna to settle for 10-15 minutes, enabling layers to set. Optionally garnish with fresh basil before presenting this rustic, comforting dish.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose high-quality ground chuck and Italian sausage for deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the entire lasagna.
• Wine Depth Enhancer: Use a dry red wine to deglaze the pan, which adds complex undertones and helps extract caramelized meat and vegetable flavors.
• Noodle Placement Technique: Break no-boil noodles strategically to create full coverage without gaps, ensuring every bite has perfect pasta texture.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the lasagna to rest after cooking, which helps layers solidify and prevents falling apart when serving, creating cleaner, more appealing portions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg