Dumpling Lasagna Recipe
A cheesy, comforting casserole made with frozen dumplings layered with rich meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and ricotta. This easy lasagna alternative is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish For assembling casserole
- Large skillet For cooking meat sauce
- Wooden spoon Stirring ingredients
- Cheese grater Freshly grate cheese
- Measuring cups Accurate measurements
- Aluminum foil Cover while baking
Ingredients
- 24 pieces Frozen dumplings Chicken, pork, or vegetable
- 1 pound Ground beef Lean preferred
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For cooking
- 1 small Yellow onion Finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 24 ounces Marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese Whole milk ricotta
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Adds flavor
- ½ tsp Salt Or to taste
- ¼ tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half of the frozen dumplings in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the dumplings.
- Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat layers with remaining dumplings, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
- Chicken dumplings create a lighter version.
- Add spinach between layers for extra vegetables.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals.For an extra cheesy crust, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes of baking. However, watch carefully to prevent burning.
