If you are craving the rich, comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna wrapped in a crispy, golden crust, then you are going to absolutely love this Lasagna Wellington Recipe. This unique twist combines the best of both worlds: the savory layers of meat, cheese, and sauce you adore in lasagna, encased in flaky pizza dough that bakes up beautifully to create a stunning centerpiece. It’s a playful but totally satisfying dish perfect for serving family and friends when you want to impress without hours of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lasagna Wellington Recipe plays an essential role, from building layers of luscious flavor and texture to creating that perfect buttery finish. What’s wonderful is how simple and accessible these ingredients are, yet together they deliver big on taste and visual appeal.
- Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that brings meaty richness to every bite.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of texture to balance the beef.
- Chopped garlic: Infuses fragrant warmth that’s classic to Italian cooking.
- Marinara sauce: Offers tangy tomato flavor that keeps the dish moist and delicious.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates a lovely contrast with the sauce and meat.
- Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to elevate and unify all the flavors.
- Pillsbury pizza crust: The crisp, buttery envelope that holds everything together beautifully.
- Oven-ready lasagna pasta sheets: Simplify the layering process while absorbing surrounding flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey layers that make lasagna irresistible.
- Garlic butter, melted: Adds a golden shine and extra richness when brushed on top.
- Grated parmesan: Sprinkled over the crust for a final punch of savory depth.
How to Make Lasagna Wellington Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat Mixture
Start by browning the lean ground beef in a skillet, breaking it apart so it cooks evenly and develops that delicious seared flavor. Once browned, toss in the diced yellow onion to soften and add sweetness, then stir in the garlic for that signature Italian aroma. This simple base layer is the heart of your Wellington.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce and Cheese
Next, stir in your marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Mixing these while still warm helps the flavors melt together. This mixture creates creamy, tangy layers that cradle your meat perfectly and keeps every bite luscious and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your Pillsbury pizza crust into a large rectangle, roughly 14 by 18 inches. This is the beautiful, flaky casing that will surround your lasagna layers. It’s important to leave a bit of dough around the edges so you can wrap and seal the Wellington properly without any filling escaping during baking.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Place one oven-ready lasagna sheet on one end of the dough, leaving space on all sides. Spoon a generous layer of your meat and cheese mixture on top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over it. Repeat this layering process with the rest of the lasagna sheets and sauce until you’ve formed five rich layers of deliciousness.
Step 5: Seal and Bake
Now fold the pizza dough over the layered filling and press all edges securely to seal your Wellington. Transfer it carefully onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes until the dough is puffed and golden brown, creating a perfect crispy shell.
Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter and Parmesan
As soon as the Wellington comes out of the oven, brush the crust generously with melted garlic butter. This adds a glossy finish and an extra hit of flavor. Then sprinkle grated parmesan over the top for a lovely, savory crust that complements the cheesy layers inside beautifully.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Allow your Lasagna Wellington Recipe to rest briefly so the layers set a little, making it easier to slice. Cut into generous portions and watch your guests’ eyes light up at the first cheesy, saucy bite wrapped in golden pastry. This dish delivers comfort and elegance all on one plate.
How to Serve Lasagna Wellington Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a dusting of extra parmesan is a simple, elegant way to enhance the flavors and add a pop of color. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze around the plate for a restaurant-quality touch that brightens the savory richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lasagna Wellington Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted seasonal vegetables. These fresh sides contrast delightfully with the hearty, cheesy Wellington and keep the meal balanced and satisfying. Garlic bread is also a classic companion if you want to spoil yourself.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve your Wellington as individual portions by rolling smaller rectangles of dough and creating mini Lasagna Wellingtons. Alternatively, slice and arrange pieces on a large platter with fresh herbs and colorful roasted peppers for a stunning buffet highlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Lasagna Wellington Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled preserves the flavors and texture well, making it perfect for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, so it’s an excellent option for meal prepping. Wrap the unbaked Wellington tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen adding extra baking time, or thaw overnight in the fridge for a more even bake.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a conventional oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the dough soggy. A toaster oven also works wonderfully to regain that flaky crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a good-quality store-bought marinara saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just choose one with a balance of sweetness and acidity to complement the beef and cheeses perfectly.
What if I don’t have oven-ready lasagna sheets?
You can certainly boil regular lasagna noodles according to package directions and then use them for layering. Just make sure to drain and cool them before assembling to prevent excess moisture from making your Wellington soggy.
Can I substitute the pizza dough with puff pastry?
Yes, puff pastry is a wonderful alternative that gives an even flakier texture and buttery richness. Just be mindful of the baking time, as puff pastry can brown more quickly and may need a slightly lower temperature or covered edges.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?
It works best to freeze the Lasagna Wellington before baking for optimal freshness. However, fully cooked leftovers can be frozen too; just expect a slight change in crust texture after reheating.
How do I know when the Lasagna Wellington is done baking?
Look for a beautifully golden brown crust that’s puffed and firm to the touch. The internal filling should be hot and bubbly—about 40 to 45 minutes at 350°F usually achieves this perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about peeling back a crisp, buttery crust to reveal layers of rich, gooey lasagna inside. This Lasagna Wellington Recipe takes a beloved classic and turns it into a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both special and surprisingly easy to make. I can’t wait for you to try this at home and share it with the people you love—happy cooking!
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Lasagna Wellington Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Lasagna Wellington is a creative twist on classic lasagna, featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella wrapped in a flaky pizza dough crust. This hearty dish combines the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with the golden, buttery crust of a Wellington, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Assembly
- 1 Pillsbury pizza crust (approx. 14 x 18 inches)
- 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 Meat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, add the diced yellow onion and continue cooking until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir in the chopped garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Dough and First Layer: Roll out the Pillsbury pizza dough into a 14 x 18-inch rectangle on a clean surface. Place one oven-ready lasagna pasta sheet on one end of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of dough around all sides. Spoon a portion of the meat sauce mixture onto the pasta sheet and spread evenly. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Build Additional Layers: Continue layering by placing another lasagna sheet over the meat mixture, followed by more sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process until all five lasagna sheets have been used, ensuring each layer has sauce and cheese.
- Seal the Wellington: Carefully fold the dough over the layered lasagna, bringing all sides together and pressing to seal the edges tightly to encase the filling completely. Transfer the assembled lasagna Wellington onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake and Finish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and immediately brush the top with the melted garlic butter for a flavorful, glossy finish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top while warm.
- Serve: Allow the Wellington to cool slightly, then slice into portions. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious layers of cheesy, meaty goodness encased in a crispy, buttery crust.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Make sure the dough edges are well sealed to prevent filling leakage while baking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes while keeping an eye to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Using oven-ready lasagna sheets eliminates the need to boil pasta, simplifying preparation.
