Dumpling Lasagna
A comforting fusion of tender dumplings layered with marinara and cheesy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Dumpling Layer
- 12 pieces Dumplings (Use frozen or homemade dumplings.)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese (You can substitute with part-skim ricotta for a lighter option.)
- 10 oz Spinach (Fresh or thawed frozen spinach can be used. Squeeze to remove excess moisture.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced garlic adds flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (Use fresh herbs if available.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground is preferred.)
Sauce & Toppings
- 24 oz Marinara sauce (Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce.)
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese (Shredded mozzarella for topping.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (Grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the rack in the middle.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce.
Layering
- Layer dumplings on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce on top.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
This dish is forgiving and versatile; feel free to customize ingredients according to your preferences. It pairs well with a bright salad or crusty bread.