If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a show-stopping dish that marries the best of Italian comfort food and elegant presentation, the Lasagna Wellington Recipe is calling your name. This inventive recipe wraps all the saucy, cheesy goodness of lasagna inside a buttery, golden pizza crust, creating a visually stunning and utterly delicious centerpiece. It’s the perfect dish for gatherings where you want something hearty, unique, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Lasagna Wellington Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a key role, whether it’s building layers of rich flavor, tender texture, or that beautiful golden finish that makes this dish so special.
- Lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base that keeps every bite satisfying and rich.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when softened with the beef.
- Chopped garlic: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes that brighten the meat sauce.
- Marinara sauce: Brings classic Italian tomato goodness that ties the layers together.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy texture that balances the meat and adds a luscious layer.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the sauce with fragrant, familiar flavors.
- Pillsbury pizza crust: Acts as the perfect golden and flaky shell, encasing all the delicious fillings.
- Oven-ready lasagna pasta sheets: Make layering easier and help keep every bite perfectly structured.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey, stringy richness in each layer.
- Garlic butter, melted: Brushed on top for a glossy finish and extra burst of flavor after baking.
- Grated parmesan: Sprinkled on top to add a savory, nutty crust that completes the dish.
How to Make Lasagna Wellington Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the lean ground beef until it’s nice and browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for even seasoning. Once the beef has released its juices, add the diced yellow onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweetness into the dish.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Layer
Next, add the chopped garlic and continue cooking for two more minutes until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and Italian seasoning, mixing everything thoroughly. This rich, flavorful sauce is the heart of your Wellington and sets the stage for all those scrumptious layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough Base
Roll out the Pillsbury pizza crust on a clean surface into a 14 by 18-inch rectangle. This will serve as your golden shell. Carefully place one oven-ready lasagna pasta sheet on one end of the dough, keeping about two inches of dough free on all sides to allow for wrapping later.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna Inside the Dough
Spoon a generous amount of the meat and cheese sauce onto the first pasta sheet, spreading it evenly to cover. Sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat this process by layering another pasta sheet, followed by more sauce and cheese, until you’ve stacked all five sheets and have a beautiful, cheesy tower inside the dough.
Step 5: Wrap and Seal Your Wellington
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the lasagna layers, pinching and pressing firmly to seal all sides and enclose the filling completely. This careful wrapping is essential to keep everything inside while baking. Place your Wellington seam-side down onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for an even bake.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 350°F and let the Wellington bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and looks crisp and inviting.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches and Serve
Once out of the oven, brush the entire crust with melted garlic butter for a glossy, flavorful finish. Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan to add that signature salty, nutty kick. Slice into portions and get ready to enjoy your masterpiece.
How to Serve Lasagna Wellington Recipe
Garnishes
The Lasagna Wellington Recipe is a star on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate it even more. A light dusting of extra parmesan at the table adds a touch of elegance and richness just before diving in.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple and fresh to balance the richness of the Wellington. A crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus provide perfect freshness and color contrast on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the Lasagna Wellington into individual portions and place each on a small wooden board or colorful platter. Garnish with edible flowers or fresh herbs to add whimsy. For gatherings, set up a “build-your-own” station with salad toppings and dipping sauces for a communal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lasagna Wellington can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to keep the crust from getting soggy and flavors fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire cooked Wellington tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the crust re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust chewy instead of flaky and golden.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Lasagna Wellington Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture of beef and pork would work nicely. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you choose a leaner meat to keep it juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach with a plant-based marinara. Add extra ricotta and mozzarella for creaminess and texture.
Can I prepare the Lasagna Wellington Recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap and then bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold from the fridge.
What type of pizza crust works best for this recipe?
Pillsbury pizza crust is convenient and reliable for this dish, but any store-bought or homemade stretchable dough that browns well will be a great choice.
How do I ensure the dough seals properly around the filling?
Be sure to leave enough dough around the edges to fold over and press firmly, pinching to seal completely. Brushing the edges with a little water can help the dough stick better before folding.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring home a crowd-pleaser that feels both cozy and impressive, give the Lasagna Wellington Recipe a try. It’s a warm hug of flavors wrapped in golden crust, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you master this dish, it’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Lasagna Wellington Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
Lasagna Wellington is a creative twist on classic lasagna, wrapped in a flaky pizza crust for a portable, impressive main dish. Layers of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese are stacked between oven-ready lasagna sheets, then enveloped in dough and baked to golden perfection. This recipe yields a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce and Layers
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Assembly and Baking
- 1 Pillsbury pizza crust (14 x 18-inch rectangle)
- 5 oven-ready lasagna pasta sheets
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp garlic butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef while breaking it apart until it is fully browned. Add the diced onions and continue cooking until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Cook Garlic and Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release its aroma. Add the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly, then remove the mixture from heat to cool slightly.
- Prepare Dough and First Layer: Roll out the pizza dough into a 14 x 18-inch rectangle on a flat surface. Lay one lasagna sheet on one end of the dough, leaving approximately a 2-inch border around all sides. Spoon the meat sauce mixture evenly over the pasta sheet, then sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Build Remaining Layers: Place another lasagna sheet on top of the cheese layer, then spread more meat sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese again. Repeat this process until all five lasagna sheets are stacked with sauce and cheese layers.
- Wrap and Seal the Dough: Carefully fold the dough over the layered lasagna sheets, bringing the edges together and pressing firmly to seal the dough completely around the filling.
- Bake the Lasagna Wellington: Transfer the wrapped lasagna to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the Wellington from the oven and immediately brush the crust with the melted garlic butter for extra flavor and shine. Sprinkle the top with grated parmesan cheese. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into portions and serving.
Notes
- Use oven-ready lasagna sheets to avoid boiling pasta before assembly, which saves time.
- Ensure the dough is sealed well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a different protein option.
- Let the Wellington cool for about 10 minutes before slicing to help the layers set for clean cuts.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
