This bison lasagna is a tasty twist on a classic dish! With layers of tender bison meat, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to please your family and friends.
I love that it’s a bit heartier than regular lasagna while still being super comforting. Plus, bison has less fat, so I can enjoy it without guilt—everyone wins! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Bison: Bison is a lean meat that’s perfect for lasagna, giving it a rich flavor. If you can’t find bison, ground turkey, chicken, or beef can work well as alternatives!
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess to the lasagna. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using tofu blended with a little nutritional yeast for a similar texture or cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Tomato Sauce: The crushed tomatoes and paste are key for flavor. In a pinch, use fresh tomatoes or a good quality store-bought marinara sauce. You could also add some diced veggies for extra nutrition!
Lasagna Noodles: I recommend regular lasagna noodles, but whole wheat or gluten-free noodles are great substitutes depending on your dietary needs.
How Do I Get Rich, Flavorful Sauce?
The sauce is the star of the lasagna! Start by sautéing your onions until they’re soft, then add garlic for an aromatic base. When the bison is browned, mix in the tomatoes and herbs. Let it simmer so all those flavors meld together.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic.
- Simmer for at least 15-20 minutes; longer if you have time—this deepens the flavor!
Letting the sauce and cheeses meld the layers together will result in a yummy, gooey lasagna. Trust me, patience is key!
How to Make Bison Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground bison
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bison lasagna takes about 25 minutes to prepare and an additional 50 minutes to cook. Plus, you’ll want to allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. So, plan for a cozy 1 hour and 20 minutes of total time—perfect for a family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for the lasagna.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir it for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Brown the Bison:
Add the ground bison to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up into small pieces and cook it until there’s no pink left, which should take around 7-10 minutes. Once browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let those flavors mingle.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and the egg until smooth. This will add creaminess to the dish.
5. Start Layering:
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Then, place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over that layer.
6. Add the Cheesy Layers:
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and sprinkle on one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, add one-third of the meat sauce on top of that. Repeat this layering two more times until you run out of ingredients.
7. Top It Off:
For the final layer, carefully lay down the last 3 noodles, then top with any remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from sticking (you can spray the foil with cooking spray or use parchment paper). Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier!
10. Garnish & Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Pair with a side salad and dig in!
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful bison lasagna! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Can I Use Regular Ground Beef Instead of Bison?
Absolutely! Ground beef is an easy substitute if you can’t find bison. Just be mindful that ground beef has a higher fat content, so you might want to drain some grease after browning it.
Can I Make This Lasagna Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the ground bison with veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also add lentils or beans for protein to keep it hearty!
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it straight from the fridge, but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, just warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through!
