Description
Lasagna with Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
For the lasagna:
9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
For the sweet potato fries:
3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the lasagna sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the noodles:
Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions (if using regular noodles). Drain and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
Prepare the ricotta mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Assemble the lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Add a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of the sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, sauce) until all ingredients are used. Finish with a layer of sauce and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prepare the sweet potato fries:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the sweet potato fries in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve the hot, cheesy lasagna alongside the crispy sweet potato fries for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
This combination of hearty lasagna with savory flavors and sweet, crispy fries is perfect for a filling dinner!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for a seamless cooking experience. First, focus entirely on the lasagna sauce, letting it simmer fully for depth of flavor. While it simmers, boil your noodles (if required) and prepare the cheese mixture. Assemble the lasagna in your dish, ensuring even layers. Before baking, prepare your sweet potato fries. As the lasagna bakes covered, put the fries in the preheated oven. The timing works perfectly: when you uncover the lasagna for its final 15 minutes, you can flip the fries. Both dishes will be ready to serve hot simultaneously.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this hearty meal on a large platter or individual plates with the lasagna portion alongside a generous helping of sweet potato fries. For a fresh contrast, serve with a simple side salad of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette. The lasagna is rich, so a light, crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs beautifully. Leftover lasagna reheats wonderfully for lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
This meal involves two parallel oven-based processes. For the lasagna: brown meat, simmer sauce, mix cheeses, layer with noodles, and bake covered then uncovered. For the fries: coat sweet potato sticks in oil and spices, then bake until crispy, flipping once. Coordinate the baking temperatures and times so both components finish together for a perfect, hot meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
How do I prevent my sweet potato fries from getting soggy? The key is space. Ensure the fries are in a single layer with room between them on the baking sheet. Overcrowding steams them. Using parchment paper can also help.
Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta? Yes, cottage cheese (blended smooth) is a common substitute. For a richer flavor, consider béchamel sauce as a traditional alternative to the ricotta mixture.
Do I have to boil the noodles if I’m using the “no-boil” kind? No. “No-boil” or “oven-ready” noodles are designed to cook in the sauce’s moisture during baking. Ensure your sauce has enough liquid and that the noodles are completely covered with sauce.
How can I store and reheat leftovers? Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat lasagna portions in the microwave or a covered oven dish. Re-crisp fries in a toaster oven or air fryer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underseasoning the layers: Taste your sauce and ricotta mixture before assembling. Each layer should be properly seasoned.
- Not letting the lasagna rest: Allow the baked lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set for cleaner slices.
- Cutting sweet potato fries too thick or thin: Aim for uniform 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking. Uneven cuts lead to some fries burning while others remain undercooked.
- Skipping the foil cover for the first part of baking: The initial covered bake ensures the noodles cook through without the top cheese burning.
Conclusion
This lasagna and sweet potato fries combo is the ultimate comfort meal, balancing rich, cheesy pasta with a sweet and savory side. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can execute this seemingly complex dinner with confidence. The make-ahead flexibility and satisfying results make it perfect for both weeknight family dinners and casual entertaining. Enjoy the delicious harmony of flavors and textures in this truly special meal.