Barbecue Lasagna
Barbecue Lasagna combines hearty ground beef with a tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheeses, and tender lasagna noodles for a flavorful twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers smoky, cheesy goodness with a hint of sweetness and zest.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Colby or mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Use a large cooking pan, approximately 10 x 14 inches, and grease the bottom with cooking oil.
- Layer the chicken in the pan, sprinkle with flour, then add a layer of celery, followed by chopped onions.
- Melt margarine and pour it over the layered ingredients.
- Add a 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup on top.
- Season with pepper and salt.
- Cook in the oven at 350°F for approximately 90 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you're out of lemon juice, vinegar can work as a substitute. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of traditional ones. This dish can also be made ahead and frozen before baking for an easy weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Barbecue Lasagna with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the Best In The West Barbecue Bean Bake, which complements the flavors of the lasagna. For a fun twist, consider topping each slice with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Barbecue Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are evenly warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Lasagna contains roughly 918 calories, with 21g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (130% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2406mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Barbecue Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it's chilled.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Adjust the seasonings slightly to suit the protein you choose, ensuring the dish remains flavorful.
How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming too watery?
To avoid sogginess, ensure that your cooked noodles are well-drained and consider using a thicker barbecue sauce. You can also reduce the amount of liquid in the meat mixture by simmering it longer to concentrate the flavors before layering in the lasagna.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).