Vanessa Williams Lasagna Recipe

Servings

Serving Vanessa Williams’ lasagna is all about showcasing its layers of cheesy, meaty goodness. Once the lasagna has cooled for about 10 minutes after baking, slice it into generous squares, ensuring the layers stay intact. You can serve it directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal, or plate each serving individually for a more formal presentation.

To complement the rich, hearty flavors of the lasagna, pair it with a simple side salad, such as a fresh mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad helps cut through the richness of the lasagna. If you want to go all out, serve it alongside garlic bread or some warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

For drinks, a glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the meat and cheese. Alternatively, a cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water can offer a refreshing contrast.

For an extra touch, you could garnish each serving with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving, adding some color and an additional layer of flavor to the dish. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a more elaborate family gathering, Vanessa Williams’ lasagna is sure to be a hit on any table.

Tips

1. Choosing the Right Tortillas:

• Use large flour tortillas for the best results. They provide enough surface area to create hearty layers and absorb the flavors. If you prefer a slightly more authentic texture, you can try using corn tortillas, but they may need to be softened in the microwave or lightly heated to prevent breaking when layering.

2. Brown the Meat Well:

• When cooking the ground sausage and ground beef, be sure to brown the meat thoroughly. This step adds a deep, savory flavor to the sauce. Don’t rush it—let the meat get some color before adding the marinara sauce.

3. Make It Ahead:

• This lasagna is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. Just be sure to add an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from the fridge. This will allow the lasagna to warm through properly.

4. Cheese Variations:

• Feel free to get creative with the cheeses! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, you can add other cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, or provolone for more depth and complexity. A sprinkle of fresh mozzarella on top before baking will make the lasagna extra cheesy and bubbly.

5. Season to Taste:

• Be sure to taste the meat sauce before layering it in the lasagna. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also adjust the garlic and onion powder for a more robust flavor profile.

6. Layering Tips:

• When layering, be sure to spread each layer of sauce and cheese mixture evenly. This ensures each bite has the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Also, don’t be afraid to press down gently on the layers while assembling—this helps compact the lasagna and keeps everything together when serving.

7. Rest Before Serving:

• After baking, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to cut without the filling oozing out.

8. Add Veggies for Extra Flavor:

• If you want to sneak some extra vegetables into the dish, finely chop some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers and add them to the meat sauce. These veggies will blend in well and add a nutritional boost without altering the flavor too much.

9. Check for Golden Brown Top:

• For a perfect golden-brown top, bake the lasagna uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes. If you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can leave it uncovered for the entire baking time (after the initial 25 minutes of covered baking).

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're looking to make Vanessa Williams' lasagna but need some ingredient substitutes, here are a few suggestions that will still keep the dish flavorful while accommodating dietary preferences or what you have on hand:

1. Flour Tortillas:

• Corn Tortillas: If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortillas. Just be sure to warm them slightly to prevent them from breaking when layered.
• Gluten-Free Tortillas: There are many gluten-free tortillas available in stores, and they can be used as a direct substitute for the flour tortillas.
• Lasagna Noodles: If you’re okay with traditional lasagna, you can opt for regular lasagna noodles instead of tortillas.

2. Ground Sausage:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute. It will still provide a meaty texture and soak up the marinara sauce flavor.
• Plant-Based Sausage: For a vegetarian version, try plant-based sausage or crumbled tempeh for a similar texture and flavor.

3. Ground Beef:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Again, these are great lean alternatives to ground beef and can be used in equal amounts.
• Lentils or Crumbled Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, cooked lentils or crumbled tofu can replace the beef while adding protein and texture.

4. Marinara Sauce:

• Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have marinara, you can substitute plain tomato sauce. Just add some Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion powder to give it more flavor.
• Homemade Tomato Sauce: If you have fresh tomatoes, you can make your own sauce by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, onions, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano.

5. Cheddar Cheese:

• Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts similarly to cheddar and has a mild, creamy flavor that works well in lasagna.
• Colby Cheese: Another cheese that melts well and has a similar texture to cheddar, making it a good substitute.
• Vegan Cheese: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, there are many vegan cheddar-style cheeses available that will work.

6. Mozzarella Cheese:

• Provolone Cheese: Provolone has a similar texture and melting quality to mozzarella, so it's a great substitute.
• Vegan Mozzarella: If you need a dairy-free version, vegan mozzarella can be used in place of regular mozzarella.

7. Ricotta Cheese:

• Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is a popular ricotta substitute due to its similar texture. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
• Tofu Ricotta: For a dairy-free version, blend firm tofu with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to mimic ricotta's creamy texture.

8. Parmesan Cheese:

• Pecorino Romano: This is a tangy, sharp alternative to Parmesan and works great in lasagna.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor and works well as a topping.

9. Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning):

• Fresh Garlic and Onion: If you don’t have garlic and onion powder, finely minced fresh garlic and onion can be substituted. Sauté them with the meat before adding the marinara sauce.
• Herbes de Provence: If you’re missing Italian seasoning, a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano will work as a great alternative.

10. Salt and Pepper:

• Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt: These types of salts can be used in place of regular table salt for a more natural option.
• White Pepper: If you don’t have black pepper, white pepper can provide a milder, slightly different flavor.