Puerto Rican Style Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne is known for its hearty meat sauce and layers of pasta, the Puerto Rican adaptation adds a touch of tropical flair. Instead of the traditional meat sauce, we use a savory sofrito sauce made with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs. The cheese filling is enhanced with the addition of creamy queso blanco, a popular cheese in Puerto Rican cuisine. Finally, we incorporate local spices and seasonings to infuse the dish with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne, so you can check it out.

• 12 lasagne noodles 12 lasagne noodles
• 2 cups (470ml) sofrito sauce 2 cups (470ml) sofrito sauce
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5g) adobo seasoning 1 teaspoon (5g) adobo seasoning
• 1 cup (235ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (235ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (470ml) queso blanco, shredded 2 cups (470ml) queso blanco, shredded
• 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the lasagne noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and adobo seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. 6.
   Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   In a separate bowl, combine the shredded queso blanco and heavy cream. Mix well.
8. 8.
   To assemble the lasagne, spread a thin layer of the sofrito sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne noodles on top.
9. 9.
   Spread a layer of the ground beef mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the queso blanco and cream mixture.
10. 10.
    Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sofrito sauce and a sprinkle of shredded queso blanco on top.
11. 11.
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
12. 12.
    Allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lasagne noodles — Cook the noodles until al dente to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
• Sofrito sauce — If you can't find pre-made sofrito sauce, you can make your own by blending tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs together.
• Queso blanco — Shred the queso blanco while it's cold for easier handling.
• Heavy cream — Use full-fat heavy cream for a rich and creamy filling.
• Adobo seasoning — Adjust the amount of adobo seasoning to your taste preference, as it can be quite salty.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Let the lasagne rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make it easier to slice.
• Serve the lasagne with a side of fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added freshness.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Leftover lasagne can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Style Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Accompany it with a side of mixed greens dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

To present the Puerto Rican Style Lasagne beautifully, cut it into individual portions and transfer them to plates using a spatula. Arrange the lasagne slices in a neat stack, allowing the layers to be visible. Drizzle a spoonful of sofrito sauce over each slice and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs.