Paula Deen Lasagna Recipe

Paula Deen’s lasagna is all about layers of cheesy goodness and deep, hearty sauce!

I always mix ricotta with a beaten egg and a bit of Italian seasoning to make sure it bakes up creamy, not runny.

A mix of ground beef and sausage adds so much more to the dish than beef alone. The sausage gives it a little extra kick without overpowering the sauce.

Letting the lasagna rest after baking is key—cutting into it too soon will leave you with a messy plate instead of those clean, beautiful layers!

One thing I always do is layer the ingredients evenly—this keeps everything balanced and prevents dry or overly heavy sections.

If you’re tempted to use no-boil noodles, think twice—regular lasagna noodles that have been boiled give a much better texture!

How to Make Paula Deen Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Chuck
• 1 lb Italian Sausage
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes (32 oz.)
• 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz.)
• 1 can Tomato Paste (6 oz.)
• 12 Lasagna Noodles
• 2 cups Ricotta Cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Set the oven rack in the middle position.

Step 2:

In a large saucepan, brown the ground chuck and Italian sausage over medium heat with the onion and garlic.

Drain the excess fat once the meat is browned.

Step 3:

Stir in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

Let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4:

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside on a kitchen towel.

Step 5:

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.

Layer 1/3 of the noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta, 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers two more times.

Step 6:

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose Quality Ingredients

Try to pick fresh cheeses and herbs to enhance the overall flavor of your lasagna.

Let It Rest

Allow the lasagna to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving so the layers can set.

Proper Noodle Cooking

Avoid overcooking your noodles, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

Keeping them al dente helps maintain a good structure.

Customize Your Cheese

Feel free to add a mix of cheeses like Gruyere or Swiss to give the dish an extra layer of flavor.

Use Fresh Herbs

If you have them, use fresh herbs instead of dried!

You’ll notice a difference in taste!

What to Serve with Paula Deen Lasagna Recipe

Simple Green Salad

A crisp green salad pairs beautifully with lasagna!

You can toss fresh greens like romaine, spinach, and arugula with a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Feel free to add in some cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for extra crunch.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic and easy accompaniment to lasagna that everyone loves.

You can slather sliced French bread with butter and garlic, and then toast it in the oven for a few minutes.

Top it off with some grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch!

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, making them a great side.

Try roasting a mix of carrots, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

You might want to add a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Caprese Skewers

For a fresh twist, caprese skewers are both fun and flavorful.

You can easily assemble them using cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.

Simply drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving for a pop of taste!

Lemon Arugula Salad

If you want to try something a little different, a lemon arugula salad can do the trick.

The peppery arugula pairs wonderfully with a light lemon dressing and some shaved Parmesan.

Add a sprinkle of almonds for that extra crunch!

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus can bring a bright and earthy element to your meal.

Just toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling for a few minutes.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can really up this simple dish into something special!

Variations and Substitutions

Experimenting with different cheeses can add wonderful variety to your lasagna.

You might consider swapping Gruyere for mozzarella if you want more of a classic flavor.

Alternatively, Gouda can bring a distinct depth to the cheese blend.

 Meat and Vegetables

Feel free to use ground turkey as a leaner option instead of ground beef.

Adding spinach or kale can enhance the nutritional profile.

Layer these greens between the meat and cheese for a deliciously balanced dish.

For a vegetarian option, skip the meat entirely and load your lasagna with seasonal vegetables.

Make sure to slice veggies like zucchini or squash thinly for even baking.

Noodles and Sauces

Try using whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if you have specific dietary needs.

Lentil or chickpea pasta are great for adding extra protein too.

Consider using a bechamel sauce in place of traditional marinara for a creamier texture.

For added convenience, store-bought marinara with herbs can simplify your preparation time.

How to Store Leftover Paula Deen Lasagna Recipe

Cooling Quickly

After cooking, allow the lasagna to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Cooling swiftly prevents bacteria growth, keeping it safe and delicious when stored.

You don’t want it sitting out too long before it hits the fridge or freezer.

Storing in the Refrigerator

Using airtight containers is key if you plan to eat those leftovers within four days!

Place the lasagna in these to lock in moisture and flavor while chilling.

Airstreams are blocked, and your lasagna stays fresh.

Freezing for Later

If you aren’t eating it soon, freezing is the way to go!

Cut the lasagna into individual portions before wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap.

Store the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container; label them with the date for easy tracking.

When’s the last time you tucked into a slice of frozen lasagna that tasted this good?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Layers

When making lasagna, your instinct might be to add as much as you can, but too many layers can lead to uneven cooking.

Keep it simple and stick to around three layers to give each component its time to shine.

Trust me; your lasagna will thank you for it.

Overusing the Sauce

It’s easy to get carried away with sauce, thinking it will add more flavor, but too much can make your lasagna soggy.

Use a balanced amount, letting each layer feel distinct without swimming in sauce.

Getting this balance will give you that perfect bite every time.

Undercooking the Noodles

Whether homemade or store-bought, undercooked noodles can ruin your lasagna’s texture.

Boil them just until they’re slightly firm, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

This ensures your pasta holds up well and complements the other layers beautifully.