‘Pioneer Woman’ shares fave lasagna recipe

Make Ree Drummond's hearty beef and sausage lasagna

Video: Pioneer Woman’s ‘doggone’ delicious lasagna

Closed captioning of: Pioneer Woman’s ‘doggone’ delicious lasagna

Advertise | AdChoices

>>> this morning on "today's kitchen," step by step lasagna. ree drummond is the woman behind the successful blog, the pioneer woman. her famous pooch charlie also thinks the lasagna is dog-gone good. he writes about it in his new children's book " charlie the ranch dog."

>> good to see you, al.

>> why is charlie the subject of your first kid's book?

>> he's a natural fit. he's relatable. he has short man syndrome.

>> so do i.

>> he thinks he's more useful on the ranch than he is. he's a comedic figure.

>> the illustrations are fantastic.

>> they're gorgeous. the artist is diane degross and she made charlie come to life.

>> your website, the pioneer woman, he has 6,000 followers on facebook. what's he blark about?

>> i left charlie at home one day and he set up a facebook account.

>> be careful. he could be embezzling from you.

>> i blog about charlie all the time. that was his way of venting to society.

>> let's get started here. what are you browning here?

>> i browned sausage and ground beef . sausage is charlie 's favorite.

>> pork sausage ?

>> this is a simple lasagna. family-friendly and basset hound friendly. at this point charlie is at my feet.

>> in case anything falls on the floor.

>> right. ground beef , sausage, whole tomatoes, tomato paste , parsley and basil. let it simmer 45 minutes. now we have strict italian food adherents will be offended but this is cottage cheese .

>> why?

>> this is lasagna my mom made for years. i say it elicitsle marriage proposals because it's hearty, meaty and delicious. use an open mind if you're used to ricotta. mix it up. and at this point charlie is on my legs trying to get a bite from the counter.

>> like any traditional lasagna you layer it in.

>> exactly. it's very cheesy and meaty.

>> you ladle in the meat sauce.

>> and we have mozzarella on top of the cheese mixture. charlie 's mad that he's not with me in new york now.

>> next trip.

>> and cook it 45 minutes until it's bubbly. i have a human serving here. and then one for charlie here. i was going to bring him to new york with me, but he doesn't smell good enough to come to the city.

>> okay. enough said. thank you very much, ree. the recipe is on our website today.com.

Show transcript

TODAY recipes

updated 5/4/2011 7:46:11 AM ET

Print
Font:
+
-

Ree Drummond, known better as "The Pioneer Woman," has released a children's book titled "Charlie the Ranch Dog," about her dog. In his honor, she makes her (and his) favorite lasagna.

Recipe: Lasagna (on this page)

Recipe: Lasagna

Ree Drummond, 'Charlie the Ranch Dog'

Ingredients

1 (10-ounce) package lasagna noodles
1 pounds ground beef
1 pound breakfast sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5-ounce) cans whole tomatoes
2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
1/4 cup minced parsley
10-12 basil leaves
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 additional tablespoons minced parsley
1 pound sliced mozzarella cheese
Extra Parmesan, for sprinkling

Preparation

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on aluminum foil or a cookie sheet. Smile and wink at your doggie.

In a large skillet or saucepan, combine ground beef, sausage, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until meat is browned. Drain off half the fat. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, cup parsley, basil, and teaspoon salt. Simmer for 45 minutes. Take your doggie for a walk.

In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, 1 cup Parmesan, 2 tablespoons minced parsley, and teaspoon salt. Stir together well. Set aside.

To assemble, arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a deep rectangular baking pan, overlapping if necessary. Spoon half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Spread evenly. Cover cottage cheese with a layer of mozzarella slices. Spoon a little less than half the meat/sauce mixture over the top. Repeat layers, ending with remaining meat/sauce mixture. Sprinkle top generously with extra Parmesan.

Either freeze, refrigerate for up to two days, or bake immediately in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes, or until top is hot and bubbly. Tell your doggie it won't be long!

Allow to sit for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve to hardworking humans . . . and doggies.