This Bison Lasagna is a hearty twist on a classic dish! It combines layers of tender bison meat, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese for a filling meal everyone will love.
I mean, who can resist cheesy layers? It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! I often make extra to enjoy for lunch; leftovers never last long in my house! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bison: Ground bison is leaner than beef and has a slightly sweeter flavor. If you can’t find bison, lean ground beef or turkey are great alternatives. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly!
Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds a tasty layer to your lasagna. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese can work, though the texture will be different. For a dairy-free alternative, try vegan ricotta made from almonds or tofu.
Lasagna noodles: Classic sheets are traditional, but no-cook noodles can save time. They also absorb moisture better, so adjust your sauce consistency accordingly. Gluten-free noodles are available if needed!
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are excellent choices, but feel free to mix in some provolone or fontina for extra flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, there are plant-based cheeses that melt well.
How Do I Ensure My Lasagna Isn’t Soggy?
Soggy lasagna is a common concern. Here are some tips to keep those layers just right!
- Use less sauce: Make sure the sauce isn’t too watery. If needed, simmer it longer to thicken it up before layering.
- Cook noodles properly: Avoid overcooking the noodles; al dente is best. They will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let it rest: After baking, allow your lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set and makes for easier slicing.
Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty, perfectly layered bison lasagna that everyone will love! Enjoy! 😊
Bison Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus approximately 45 minutes baking time. Including resting time, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 10 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
2. Brown the Bison:
Add the ground bison to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Continue to cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Spice things up by seasoning with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Once done, pour in the marinara sauce, mix to combine, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld all those fabulous flavors together. Then, remove it from heat.
3. Mix the Ricotta:
In a medium bowl, add the ricotta cheese. Crack in the large egg and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
To start layering, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Then, spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with one-third of the meat sauce. Repeat this process two more times — noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles, topped with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent sticking (make sure to spray the foil with cooking spray or create a foil tent). Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
Once baked, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is important for it to set properly. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your delicious, hearty bison lasagna! 😊
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Bison?
Absolutely! If bison is hard to find, lean ground beef or turkey is a great substitute. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Keep My Lasagna From Being Watery?
To prevent a watery lasagna, ensure your marinara sauce isn’t too thin. You can simmer it longer to thicken it. Additionally, avoid overcooking the noodles; they will absorb moisture as they bake!
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in advance! Just cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave slices or warm them gently in the oven until heated through. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!