Mediterranean Lamb and Goat Cheese Lasagna
This Mediterranean-inspired lasagna features the irresistible combination of savory ground lamb and creamy goat cheese, enhanced by fresh herbs and spices. The tanginess of the goat cheese beautifully complements the rich flavors of the lamb while the layers of tender pasta bring everything together in a deliciously indulgent dish. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner party, this lasagna offers a delightful twist on a classic, showcasing the wonderful flavors of the Mediterranean.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground lamb
1 lb (raw, crumbled)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
Ready cut tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (drained)
Fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Honey
1 tablespoon (for sweetness)
White wine
1/2 cup (for cooking)
Kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Feta cheese
6 ounces (crumbled)
Kasseri cheese
3 ounces (shredded)
Lasagna noodles
9 ounces (uncooked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the fresh herbs.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and ground lamb, sautéing until the lamb is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5
Add the canned tomatoes, fresh oregano, parsley, mint, red pepper flakes, honey, and white wine to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6
Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
7
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until they are just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process.
8
In a 12x8x2-inch (or similar size) baking dish, layer the ingredients as follows: Place a layer of lasagna noodles, then add a generous amount of the lamb sauce, followed by a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles and sauce.
9
Sprinkle the kasseri cheese generously over the top layer.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the lasagna set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and crusty French bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Lamb and Goat Cheese Lasagna?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic lasagna, featuring savory ground lamb, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs like mint and oregano.
What meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 pound of ground lamb, which provides a rich and distinct flavor.
Can I substitute the ground lamb with another meat?
Yes, while lamb is traditional for this flavor profile, you can substitute it with ground beef or ground turkey.
Does the recipe actually use goat cheese?
The recipe uses feta cheese, which is traditionally made from goat or sheep milk, and complements the lamb perfectly.
What is Kasseri cheese?
Kasseri is a medium-hard Mediterranean cheese with a buttery flavor, used here to create a golden, bubbly top layer.
What can I use if I cannot find Kasseri cheese?
You can substitute Kasseri with a mild provolone or mozzarella cheese for a similar melting quality.
How do I prepare the herbs for the sauce?
The fresh oregano, parsley, and mint should be finely chopped before being added to the sauce mixture.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the lasagna.
How long does it take to cook the lamb and onions?
The lamb and onions should be sautéed for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned.
What liquids are added to the lamb sauce?
The sauce includes a 28-ounce can of ready-cut tomatoes and 1/2 cup of white wine.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce needs to simmer for a total of 30 minutes: 15 minutes to combine flavors and another 15 minutes on low heat.
How do I cook the lasagna noodles?
Boil them in salted water until they are just shy of al dente, usually about 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
Why should I rinse the noodles in cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process immediately and prevents the noodles from sticking together.
How many layers are in this lasagna?
The recipe calls for repeating the layering process three times: noodles, sauce, and feta cheese.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 12x8x2-inch baking dish or a similar sized rectangular pan is ideal for this recipe.
Why is honey included in the ingredients?
One tablespoon of honey is added to the sauce to provide a hint of sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Is this lasagna recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which you can adjust based on your heat preference.
Can I omit the white wine?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
Bake it covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is golden.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil initially?
Covering with foil helps the lasagna cook through evenly without the top cheese layer burning.
How long should the lasagna rest before serving?
Let the lasagna set for 15 to 20 minutes after taking it out of the oven to make slicing easier.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and crusty French bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day; just add a few minutes to the baking time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this lasagna be frozen?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
How much feta cheese is required?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese for the internal layers.
What kind of tomatoes should I buy?
A 28-ounce can of ready-cut (diced) tomatoes, drained, is required for the lamb sauce.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe calls for 2 large garlic cloves, minced.
What does the fresh mint add to the dish?
Mint provides a bright, refreshing flavor that is a classic pairing for Mediterranean lamb dishes.
How much lasagna noodles are needed?
You will need approximately 9 ounces of uncooked lasagna noodles.