Lasagna Casserole

Lasagna Casserole Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish with Ground Chicken and Mozzarella

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lasagna casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce. It is a popular choice for family dinners and potlucks, as it can easily feed a crowd and is always a crowd-pleaser.

History

Lasagna casserole is a variation of traditional lasagna, which is believed to have originated in Italy. The dish is typically made with layers of lasagna noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. The casserole version simplifies the process by combining all the ingredients into one dish, making it easier to prepare and serve.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground chicken breast
0.5 cup chopped white onions
15 oz (425 g) canned tomato sauce
1 package spaghetti sauce mix
1 cup evaporated milk
4 oz (113 g) softened cream cheese
5 oz (142 g) cooked and drained egg noodles
4 oz (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare a rectangular casserole dish by coating it with cooking spray and set it aside.
In a large saucepan, cook the chicken and onions until the chicken is no longer pink. Then, stir in the tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce mix.
Mix well and cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken.
In another saucepan, heat the evaporated milk and cream cheese. Cook until smooth, then stir in the cooked noodles.
Pour the noodle mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spread the chicken mixture over the top.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, then bake for 20 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the ground chicken.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken and onions until the chicken is no longer pink to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Make sure to spread the noodle mixture evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish to create a solid base for the rest of the ingredients.

- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lasagna casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken and onions until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.

- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of ground meat in place of ground chicken.

- Substitute any type of pasta for the egg noodles.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the lasagna casserole with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 28g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 9g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 8% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (milk, cheese)

Summary

This lasagna casserole is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Summary

Lasagna casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners and potlucks. With layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce, it is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for lasagna casserole. It was many years ago, back when I was a young bride just starting out in the kitchen. My mother had always been a wonderful cook, and I had learned so much from her over the years. But this recipe was something new and exciting, something I had never tried before.

I had been visiting a friend one afternoon, and she had served me a delicious lasagna casserole for lunch. It was unlike any lasagna I had ever tasted before - the flavors were rich and complex, and the layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce melded together perfectly. I knew immediately that I had to learn how to make it myself.

My friend was kind enough to share her recipe with me, and I eagerly wrote it down in my little recipe book. I was determined to master this dish and make it my own. Over the next few weeks, I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until I had perfected my own version of the lasagna casserole.

I remember the first time I served it to my husband. His eyes lit up with delight as he took his first bite, and he declared it the best lasagna he had ever eaten. I felt a swell of pride in my chest, knowing that I had created something truly special.

From that day on, the lasagna casserole became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and also just for a cozy Sunday dinner at home. It was a dish that brought us together as a family, filling our home with warmth and comfort.

As the years went by, I continued to refine and improve my recipe. I added new ingredients, tweaked the proportions of the sauce and cheese, and experimented with different types of pasta. Each time I made the lasagna casserole, it was a labor of love, a way for me to express my creativity and passion for cooking.

I also learned new tips and tricks along the way, picking up techniques from friends, relatives, and even cooking shows on television. I discovered the secret to perfectly cooked pasta, the best way to layer the ingredients for maximum flavor, and how to achieve that golden, bubbly crust on top.

One of the things I love most about the lasagna casserole is its versatility. I can customize it to suit any occasion or mood, adding vegetables, meats, or herbs to create different variations. Sometimes I make a classic meat and cheese version, other times I go for a vegetarian option with layers of spinach and ricotta.

No matter how I choose to make it, the lasagna casserole always brings joy to those who eat it. I have shared my recipe with friends and family, and it has become a favorite among them as well. I am proud to have created a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

Now, as I look back on all the years I have spent perfecting my recipe for lasagna casserole, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Cooking has always been my passion, my way of expressing my love and creativity. And this dish, with its layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious and sharing it with those you love.