Description
Experience the ultimate fusion comfort food with this incredible Dumpling Lasagna recipe. Layers of tender, savory dumplings are baked with a rich meat sauce and three kinds of gooey cheese, creating a dish that's hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious. It's a creative twist on a classic, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lbs ground beef (or pork/mix)
1 large onion, diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp soy sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
15 oz (approx. 2 cups) ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 (20-25 oz) bags frozen pork and chive dumplings (about 60-70 dumplings total)
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef (or pork/mix) over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and a splash of soy sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Begin layering your Dumpling Lasagna. Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Arrange a single layer of frozen dumplings over the sauce. Try to place them close together without overlapping too much. Do not thaw the dumplings.
Step 6: Spoon half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the dumplings. Then, top with about 1.5 cups of the meat sauce, spreading it gently to cover the ricotta and dumplings. Sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1.5 cups).
Step 7: Repeat the dumpling, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella layers once more. For the top layer, place the final layer of frozen dumplings.
Step 8: Spread the remaining meat sauce over the final dumpling layer. Top generously with the remaining shredded mozzarella and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 9: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you want an extra golden crust, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 11: Let the Dumpling Lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use good quality frozen dumplings. Do not thaw them before layering. Resting the lasagna for 10-15 minutes after baking is crucial for easier slicing and to allow the layers to set.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Pasta & Noodles
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large slice
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
