Autumns Embrace Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy something different for tea tonight? This Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna is proper lush! It’s like autumn in a dish, honestly.

You get that rich, meaty flavour mixed with sweet pumpkin , creating pure comfort food.

Brief Overview

Italian pumpkin dishes are surprisingly delicious. This Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna takes inspiration from that. It's medium effort, takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. This recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry bellies.

Main Benefits

Pumpkin is packed with goodness. This lasagna is a brilliant way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet, you know? It is the perfect Fall Dinner Inspiration .

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe is unique because it combines classic beef lasagna recipe with seasonal flavors.

Autumns Embrace Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (approx. 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (800g)
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (120 ml)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (15 ml)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 500g (1.1 lbs) pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cubed (butternut squash works well)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (60g)
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (30g)
• 4 cups whole milk (1 litre)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
• 250g (8.8 oz) no-boil lasagna noodles
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 150g)
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (approx. 100g)

Instructions:

• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Brown ground beef, drain excess fat. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet at 200C / 400F until tender. Mash with a fork or blend in a food processor until smooth. Stir in fresh sage.
• Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (roux). Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
• Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce in the baking dish. Layer noodles, beef sauce, pumpkin puree, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with béchamel sauce and a generous topping of Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 180C / 350F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550-650

Fat:25-30g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Let's Talk About This Lush Lasagna, Shall We?

Right, so Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna . Where did this come from, eh? Honestly, it's one of those dishes I threw together one autumn.

I had leftover Pumpkin Beef Bolognese , and thought, "Why not?" It’s a game changer, and now a staple in my house.

Autumn comfort food recipes are a must have.

It's not your average Pumpkin Pasta Sauce . This recipe steps it up with layers of flavour. Don't be scared by the sound of it, it’s not cheffy or owt.

Think Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna as an upgrade to your usual Beef Bolognese . We’re aiming for delicious, not stressful.

This Pumpkin lasagna recipe easy is a lovely Gourmet lasagna recipes . This isn't just about throwing ingredients together. It's about creating a symphony of flavours.

It's a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for impressing the family or even a few mates round for Sunday lunch! Get ready for compliments, you deserve it.

Alright, let's dive into the heart of this Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna : the ingredients! We need to talk quality and quantities.

Trust me, it makes a world of difference. This isn't just a beef lasagna recipe ; it's an experience!

Gathering Your Goodies

First up, the beef. You'll need 1.1 pounds (500g) of ground beef. Go for lean, around 85/15 . This saves you from a greasy mess later.

Quality is key here. A good cut makes all the difference.

Next up, for our Pumpkin Bolognese Sauce , you'll need 1.1 pounds (500g) of pumpkin. Butternut squash works a treat.

Roast it until it's beautifully soft. I usually prick it all over with a fork first. Makes it cook evenly.

Spice It Up: Seasoning Like a Pro

The spice blend is where the magic happens. Don't skip the dried oregano and basil . They're essential for that Italian vibe.

A pinch of nutmeg in the pumpkin puree is also a must. It warms everything up perfectly. If you are a fan of Italian pumpkin dishes , you'll gonna love this.

Want a little kick? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes into your Pumpkin Beef Bolognese . It just adds that little something.

No fresh sage? Dried works. Just use half the amount.

Tool Time: Essential Equipment

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this. A large skillet for the beef, a baking sheet for the pumpkin, and a 9x13 inch baking dish are your key players.

Oh, and a decent saucepan for that béchamel. Seriously, the béchamel sauce is the unsung hero. Makes everything so creamy.

Don't have a roasting pan? A regular baking sheet will do just fine. No food processor? A fork and a bit of elbow grease work wonders for that Pumpkin Pasta Sauce .

Honestly, a bit of lumpiness adds character.

This Pumpkin lasagna recipe easy is all about Autumn comfort food recipes . It's perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting.

Think Fall Dinner Inspiration ! This Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna is a Gourmet lasagna recipes dream.

Okay, listen up, you foodies! Autumn's here, and that means it's time for some serious comfort food. So, I figured, why not jazz up a classic with some seasonal flair? Let's talk about making Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna .

Seriously, this is going to be your new go-to for Fall Dinner Inspiration !

Cooking Method: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Before we dive into this Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna , let's get organised. Mise en place is key, darling. Chop your onion, mince that garlic, and measure out your spices.

It makes life so much easier. Honestly, prepping everything saves a tonne of time! And hey, remember, always wash your hands before you start.

Safety first, yeah?

Step-by-Step: Lasagna-fying It!

Okay, here's the magic:

1. Brown your beef in a large pan over medium heat. Make sure it's cooked through. Nobody wants dodgy beef, right?
2. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. This usually takes around 5 minutes . Add them to the beef.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red wine, and spices. Simmer for at least 20 minutes . This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. This stage builds the Pumpkin Beef Bolognese .
4. Roast cubed pumpkin with garlic and spices at 200C / 400F until tender, then mash it up. Hello, easy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce !
5. Make your béchamel sauce : Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
6. Layer everything in a baking dish: béchamel, noodles, beef sauce, Pumpkin Puree , Parmesan, and mozzarella. Repeat!
7. Bake covered at 180C / 350F for 20 minutes , then uncovered for another 25 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This is crucial ! It allows the lasagna to set and prevents a sloppy mess.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lasagna Game

Wanna make this Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna even better? Firstly, don't overcook those no-boil noodles! They'll get mushy. Honestly, I've made that mistake before.

Secondly, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning of your Pumpkin Bolognese Sauce to your liking. Finally, if you're short on time, you can make the beef sauce and Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe a day ahead.

It saves so much hassle! Trust me, this lasagna is a proper crowd-pleaser. Think Autumn Comfort Food Recipes meets Gourmet Lasagna Recipes .

Serve it with a nice green salad and some garlic bread. Chef's kiss! You will have a very delicious example of Italian Pumpkin Dishes .

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Lasagna

Right, so you're about to tackle this amazing Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna . Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's absolutely spot on.

Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew the first time I made it. This isn't just any beef lasagna recipe .

Get ready for some proper Autumn comfort food recipes !

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key

Okay, first impressions matter, right? For plating, I like to let the Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna cool slightly. This helps it slice cleaner.

Serve it with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully .

As for drinks, think autumnal. A crisp apple cider or a light-bodied red wine, like a Beaujolais, would be perfect.

Fancy something non-alcoholic? Sparkling apple juice is a winner. This recipe really is proper Fall Dinner Inspiration .

Storage Tips: Making it Last (If it Does!)

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, here's the lowdown. Once cooled, wrap the Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna tightly in cling film or foil.

It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days . Make sure to keep it in the fridge, below 5C .

Freezing it is also an option. Cut the lasagna into portions before freezing. This makes it easier to defrost later.

It can last for up to two months in the freezer. When reheating, defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight. Then bake in a preheated oven at 180C until heated through.

Or, you know, nuke it in the microwave if you're in a hurry! This is one of the most efficient Autumn comfort food recipes .

Variations: Make it Your Own

Fancy tweaking things a bit? You could easily make this a vegetarian delight. Swap the beef for lentils or Quorn mince and add extra veggies. Mushrooms and spinach would be lush.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna sheets. They're readily available now. Regarding seasonal swaps, try using butternut squash instead of pumpkin.

Same vibe, different flavour. The basis of the Pumpkin Bolognese Sauce would still work.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

This Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna is more than just comfort food. It’s got good stuff in it too! Pumpkin provides beta-carotene, which is great for your immune system.

Beef is a good source of protein and iron. Plus, you're getting calcium from the cheese.

Of course, it's still a lasagna, so it's not exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? I'd say this is one of the more balanced Gourmet lasagna recipes .

You could even call it one of the most unique Italian pumpkin dishes .

So, go on, give this Beef and Pumpkin Lasagna a go. It's easier than you think, and the results are well worth it! You'll have a bowl of hearty Pumpkin Beef Bolognese in no time.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce will blow your mind. Just remember to have fun. Happy cooking! I promise you'll love this Pumpkin Pasta Sauce Recipe .