Zesty Rice Lasagna
Zesty Rice Lasagna offers a flavorful twist with rice, lean beef, and cheeses, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings with its rich, cheesy layers and savory sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cooked Success rice, 1 egg, and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.
- In another bowl, mix 1 egg, shredded Mozzarella, Ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef, stirring to break into bits; drain excess fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce and crushed oregano to the skillet; heat through.
- Evenly spread half of the rice mixture into a greased 11 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Top with half of the cheese mixture and half of the meat mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining rice, cheese, and meat mixtures.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the lean ground beef. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked rice can speed up the preparation process. You can also mix in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition, similar to what's done in Meat And Spinach Lasagna. Adjust the spices to your preference for a personalized flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Zesty Rice Lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Yummy Spaghetti Sauce drizzled on top or a side of steamed vegetables. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or a light dusting of additional Parmesan for an extra touch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For the best texture, you can also reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Rice Lasagna contains roughly 569 calories, with 33g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate; just remember to adjust the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Success rice?
If you don't have Success rice, any pre-cooked or instant rice will work as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use traditional cooked rice, but make sure it's cooled before mixing to avoid a mushy texture.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version. You can also use plant-based cheese and a meat alternative for a delicious meat-free meal.
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).