Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Sauce
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the Meat (Optional)
- If you’re using ground beef, add it to the skillet now. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oregano. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the crushed tomatoes and water, mixing well.
Simmer the Sauce
- Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to develop the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add the minced basil or basil pesto towards the end of the simmering time.
Make the Cheese Filling
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of fresh basil or 2 tablespoons of basil pesto, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of cream (or half-and-half). Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Pierogies
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the Mrs. T's cheddar cheese pierogies according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling them for about 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of pierogies over the sauce. Spoon some of the ricotta mixture on top of the pierogies, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Add the Final Touches
- Sprinkle the top of your lasagna with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh minced basil for a burst of color and flavor.
Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious lasagna with pierogies!
Notes
- Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses to reduce calories and fat content.
- Incorporate more vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, into the layers for added nutrition.
