Sharon BrownBefore diving into the joy of creating Barefoot Contessa lasagna, let’s consider what you might want to serve alongside this rich and hearty dish. A crisp salad, perhaps a classic Caesar or Italian-style, provides balance against the dish’s richness.
You can also opt for garlic bread or breadsticks — they are perfect for soaking up the sauce. Just picture it: a plate of cheesy lasagna, fresh salad, and warm bread. Sounds good, right? For wine lovers, a glass of Chianti or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.
When I think of comfort food, lasagna always takes center stage. The layers of pasta, savory meat, rich cheese, and the perfect sauce combine to create a heartwarming meal that evokes memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners.
This love for lasagna leads me to the Barefoot Contessa’s twist on a classic. It’s comforting yet sophisticated. It satisfies without overwhelming.
Ina Garten, a culinary icon and the mastermind behind this dish, shows us that making delicious, hearty food doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s learn more about this special recipe and how you can easily make it at home.
What is Barefoot Contessa Lasagna?
Barefoot Contessa lasagna is a unique take on traditional lasagna. What sets this recipe apart is its use of excellent ingredients—think sweet Italian turkey sausage mixed with a vibrant tomato base and a trio of cheeses that creates an explosion of flavor with every bite.
It’s not just any lasagna; it’s the quintessential comfort food, enriched with fresh herbs and a homemade sauce.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Barefoot Contessa Lasagna?
The Barefoot Contessa recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it employs Italian turkey sausage, making it a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. While many recipes rely heavily on beef and pork, this version uses high-quality turkey as a base, giving it the same comforting texture with less grease.
The combination of ricotta, goat cheese, and freshly grated mozzarella creates a creamy texture, setting it apart from the standard cheeses typically found in lasagna. Furthermore, the addition of fresh herbs and seasonings elevates the taste, giving a bright and homemade feel that lingers in your mouth.
How Does It Taste Like?
Upon the first forkful, you’ll meet layers of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors colliding delightfully. The tomato sauce sings with fresh basil, while the sausage provides a faint sweetness that plays beautifully with the creamy cheeses.
It’s the perfect blend of richness and freshness—reminiscent of an Italian kitchen filled with laughter and beloved company.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
To create this lasagna, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds (24 ounces) Italian turkey sausage, sweet or hot, casings removed (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (approximately 1 medium onion)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes in puree
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth in the tomato sauce)
- ¼ cup freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
- ½ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle heat)
- ½ pound lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (use whole milk for creamier texture)
- 4 ounces creamy goat cheese
- 1 extra-large egg, lightly whisked
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then incorporate the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Next, add the turkey sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, stirring frequently. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar.
Add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes as desired. Lastly, mix in half of the chopped parsley and basil. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While your sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, goat cheese, whisked egg, and the remaining parsley in a bowl. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it well until everything is evenly mixed, ensuring a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Next, on the noodles, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by layers of mozzarella and more sauce. Repeat these layers, creating a total of 3 layers, finishing with mozzarella on top and sprinkling shaved Parmesan for an extra touch.
Step 5: Bake
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it does not touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Let It Rest
This step is crucial! Once out of the oven, let the lasagna sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for easier serving.
Tips & Tricks on Making Barefoot Contessa Lasagna
- Meat Variations: Substitute the turkey sausage with Italian chicken sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Leave out the meat entirely and load up on veggies like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
- No Boil Noodles: Use no-boil lasagna sheets for a quicker prep time. Just layer them as usual; they’ll cook beautifully in the oven.
- Herb Freshness: If fresh herbs aren’t an option, dried herbs can work too; however, use them in moderation as they are more concentrated.
- Storage: Lasagna freezes well. Consider making it ahead and freezing uncooked or baked portions for future meals.
How Do I Store This Dish?
To store your lasagna, allow it to cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you plan to store lasagna for longer, it can be frozen. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Barefoot Contessa Lasagna?
- Ground beef or pork: Swap turkey sausage for a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor.
- Zucchini slices: Instead of lasagna noodles, use thin slices of zucchini to create a low-carb version.
- Almond milk ricotta: For dairy-free alternatives, almond milk-based ricotta can replace the regular ricotta.
- Nutritional yeast: Instead of Parmesan cheese, sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Cottage cheese: If ricotta isn’t available, using cottage cheese can provide a similar texture and taste.
Barefoot Contessa Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds 24 ounces Italian turkey sausage, sweet or hot, casings removed (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion approximately 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes in puree
- 1 6- ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar optional, for added depth in the tomato sauce
- ¼ cup freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley divided
- ½ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for subtle heat
- ½ pound lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese use whole milk for creamier texture
- 4 ounces creamy goat cheese
- 1 extra-large egg lightly whisked
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then incorporate the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Next, add the turkey sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, stirring frequently. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar.
- Add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes as desired. Lastly, mix in half of the chopped parsley and basil. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- While your sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, goat cheese, whisked egg, and the remaining parsley in a bowl. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it well until everything is evenly mixed, ensuring a creamy consistency.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Next, on the noodles, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by layers of mozzarella and more sauce. Repeat these layers, creating a total of 3 layers, finishing with mozzarella on top and sprinkling shaved Parmesan for an extra touch.
- Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it does not touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
- This step is crucial! Once out of the oven, let the lasagna sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for easier serving.
Notes
- Meat Variations: Substitute the turkey sausage with Italian chicken sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Leave out the meat entirely and load up on veggies like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
- No Boil Noodles: Use no-boil lasagna sheets for a quicker prep time. Just layer them as usual; they’ll cook beautifully in the oven.
- Herb Freshness: If fresh herbs aren’t an option, dried herbs can work too; however, use them in moderation as they are more concentrated.
- Storage: Lasagna freezes well. Consider making it ahead and freezing uncooked or baked portions for future meals.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Barefoot Contessa lasagna is a delightful dish that marries tradition and innovation. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a memorable meal that’s sure to please.
Whether it’s a family gathering, a casual dinner with friends, or just a dinner in for one, this lasagna hits the spot. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embrace the joy of cooking. You won’t regret it, and your taste buds will thank you. Happy cooking!
