If you’re in the midst of winter and are tired of soups, stews, and chilis, you’re not alone. While these hearty meals are warm and comforting, they can also get repetitive rather quickly. When winter blues have got you down, and you’re craving something a little more flavorful for dinner, get back up on the horse and try this Cowboy Lasagna.
What Is Cowboy Lasagna?
Cowboy lasagna is a Southwestern-inspired version of the classic Italian dish. Made with ground beef, sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and a blend of Monterey Jack and pepper Jack cheeses, this lasagna is far from boring.
What Makes Cowboy Lasagna So Good
It’s flavorful
Imagine if lasagna and chili got together and had a baby–that’s what this dish tastes like. With the combination of beef and sausage, this lasagna is rich, and fire-roasted tomatoes and diced green chiles add a nice spice. Like we said, this may not be mama’s lasagna, but it’s far from uninteresting.
Credit:
Morgan Hunt Ward; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey
Make it ahead of time
A standout feature of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the sauce and refrigerate it up to two days in advance, while assembled lasagna can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also store it in the freezer for up to three months.
It’s customizable
While this dish is packed with flavor, you could also add a splash of red wine to the sauce before simmering for some depth, or add roasted corn and black beans or layer in sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetable boost. Not spicy enough for you? Add chipotle powder or hot Italian sausage to kick things up a notch.
Recipe Tips For Cowboy Lasagna
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to three days.Use fresh-grated cheese for the best-tasting and smoothest melty layers.Don’t skip spooning off excess grease after cooking the meat. This will prevent your lasagna from becoming oily and soggy.
Dining and Cooking