Delicious Rice Lasagna Recipe – Easy and Quick
If you’re looking for a delicious twist on the classic lasagna, this Rice Lasagna is the perfect recipe for you. Made with cooked rice instead of noodles, it offers a unique and satisfying flavor that’s sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Table of Contents
The Best Rice Lasagna
Rice Lasagna is a delightful alternative to traditional lasagna, featuring layers of savory ground beef, rich spaghetti sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses, all nestled between layers of tender cooked rice. This recipe is both comforting and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Notes on Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the lasagna.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of garlic.
- Cooked Rice: Replaces traditional lasagna noodles, offering a unique texture and flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind the rice layers together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the cheese mixture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
How to Make Rice Lasagna
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the spaghetti sauce and garlic powder to the cooked beef, stirring to combine.
- Mix the Rice Layer: In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, lightly beaten eggs, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, mix 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and another 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread half of the rice mixture in a 3-quart baking dish. Top with half of the cheese mixture and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
How to Serve Rice Lasagna
Rice Lasagna is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. The rich, cheesy layers and savory meat sauce make it a satisfying dish on its own, but these sides add a nice balance.
How to Store Rice Lasagna
Store any leftover Rice Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 461.13 kcal | 23% |
| Total Fat | 24.59 g | 35% |
| Carbs | 27.93 g | 11% |
| Sugars | 5.26 g | 6% |
| Protein | 29.47 g | 59% |
| Sodium | 913.74 mg | 46% |
| Fiber | 3.02 g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 11.17 g | 56% |
| Trans Fat | 0.67 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8.56 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.92 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 120.92 mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 328.58 mg | 41% |
| Magnesium | 29.24 mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 509.59 mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2.18 mg | 16% |
| Zinc | 4.2 mg | 42% |
| Phosphorus | 372.5 mg | 53% |
| Vitamin A | 235.52 mcg | 29% |
| Vitamin C | 2.67 mg | 3% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.07 mg | 6% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.35 mg | 25% |
| Niacin B3 | 2.75 mg | 17% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.27 mg | 19% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 19.54 mcg | 10% |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.37 mcg | 95% |
| Vitamin D | 0.49 mcg | 10% |
| Vitamin E | 0.37 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin K | 1.91 mcg | 3% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Rice Lasagna
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before using.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Rice Lasagna?
Yes, Rice Lasagna freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
The Best Rice Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 26 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups cooked rice cooled
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cottage cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Add spaghetti sauce and garlic powder.
- Mix rice, eggs, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Mix 2 cups mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese in another bowl.
- Spread 1/2 of the rice mixture in a 3-quart baking dish, followed by 1/2 of the cheese mixture and 1/2 of the meat sauce. Repeat layers. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese over final layer of meat sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes.
Enjoy making and savoring this unique and delicious Rice Lasagna recipe!
