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Pumpkin Beef Lasagna

Pumpkin Beef Lasagna
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Pumpkin Beef Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the creamy sweetness of pumpkin with savory ground beef, layered between tender lasagna noodles and melted cheeses. Perfect for fall dinners and family gatherings, this recipe offers a delicious twist on classic lasagna with nutritious and seasonal ingredients that warm the soul and please the palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (preferably fresh roasted or canned pure pumpkin)
  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 12 lasagna noodles

Cheese Filling

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Remaining grated Parmesan cheese (about ¾ cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart evenly. Stir in pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, and Italian herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
  2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a tray to prepare for layering.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan, seasoning lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, rich filling that binds the layers.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of the meat and pumpkin sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce topped with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Use fresh pumpkin puree whenever possible for a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy lasagna.
  • Spread each layer evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Always bake covered initially to retain moisture and develop flavors.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to prevent it from falling apart when sliced.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin, beef, lasagna, fall recipe, comfort food, layered pasta, Italian, seasonal dish, family dinner

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/pumpkin-beef-lasagna/