Lasagna is a universally beloved dish, known for its layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. While the classic version with meat sauce and béchamel is a perennial favourite, there are numerous ways to put a unique spin on this comfort food staple. Here, we explore several innovative lasagna recipes that go beyond the traditional, ensuring your meal is both exciting and delicious.
1. Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles
- Ground beef or turkey
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Black beans, rinsed and drained
- Corn kernels
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the lasagna noodles following the directions on the package.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and salsa to the meat, stirring to combine. Simmer for a few minutes.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a handful of chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat mixture, followed by lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of cheese.
Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
This Mexican lasagna combines the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines, creating a zesty, flavorful dish that is perfect for family dinners.
2. Vegetarian Pesto Lasagna
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles
- Fresh spinach
- Ricotta cheese
- Pesto sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Zucchini, thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the lasagna noodles following the directions on the package. Once cooked, drain the noodles and put them aside.
Spread a layer of ricotta-pesto mixture, followed by spinach leaves, zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers, ending with a layer of noodles topped with pesto sauce, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let sit for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
This vegetarian pesto lasagna is a fresh and vibrant take on the classic dish, featuring layers of vegetables and the bright flavours of the pesto.
3. Seafood Lasagna
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Scallops
- Crab meat
- Ricotta cheese
- Spinach
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, sauté garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant. Add shrimp and scallops, cooking until just opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with spinach and a handful of chopped parsley.
In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of the cream mixture. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top.
Spread a layer of ricotta-spinach mixture, followed by seafood and more cream sauce.
Repeat layers, ending with a layer of noodles topped with cream sauce and extra cheese.
Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let sit for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.
This seafood lasagna is an elegant and luxurious twist on the classic, perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress your guests.
4. Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagna
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles
- Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- Fresh sage leaves
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Nutmeg
- Heavy cream
- Butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add butternut squash and sage leaves, cooking until the squash is tender. Remove from heat and mash slightly.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a pinch of nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of the cream mixture. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top.
Spread a layer of ricotta-nutmeg mixture, followed by butternut squash and more cream sauce.
Repeat layers, ending with a layer of noodles topped with cream sauce and extra cheese.
Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let sit for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh sage leaves.
This butternut squash and sage lasagna is a warm and comforting dish that brings together the sweet, earthy flavours of squash and the aromatic essence of sage.
5. Greek Lasagna (Pastitsio)
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles or penne pasta
- Ground lamb or beef
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato paste
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Béchamel sauce
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles or penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ground lamb or beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add tomato paste, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Simmer for a few minutes.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat mixture. Place a layer of noodles or pasta on top.
Pour a layer of béchamel sauce over the noodles, followed by crumbled feta cheese.
Repeat layers, ending with a layer of béchamel sauce topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let sit for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.
This Greek lasagna, or pastitsio, is a deliciously spiced alternative to traditional lasagna, featuring rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tangy feta cheese.
Conclusion
Lasagna is a versatile dish that can be adapted in countless ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a Mexican fiesta, a fresh vegetarian meal, a luxurious seafood dinner, a comforting fall favourite, or a Greek classic, these unique lasagna recipes offer something for everyone. By experimenting with different ingredients and flavours, you can transform a familiar dish into something extraordinary and exciting. So next time you’re planning to make lasagna, consider trying one of these innovative recipes to elevate your culinary repertoire and delight your taste buds.
