Easy Venison Lasagna Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with wild flavors as I guide you through crafting the ultimate venison lasagna that’s sure to become your new mealtime obsession! 🍝🌿

One of my favorite comfort foods is lasagna, and switching out the traditional ground beef for venison gives it a nutritional boost; as a wild game, this meat is lower in fat and richer in protein and iron than any sustainably-raised beef. I love how ricotta, oregano, and basil layer together to infuse the dish with creamy texture and rich flavor.

My version switches out the traditional tomato sauce for two pints of my homemade marinara (don’t worry, I’ll share that recipe soon), and then it layers the lasagna together like a well-crafted sandwich of deliciousness.

Easy Venison Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Venison: High in protein; leaner than beef, rich in iron.
• Ricotta Cheese: Good source of calcium; adds creaminess.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty texture; high in calcium.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory flavor; aged, rich in protein.
• Marinara Sauce: Source of antioxidants; provides acidity, sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats; enhances flavor, heart-friendly.
• Garlic: Boosts immune function; adds a pungent flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; rich in antioxidants.

Easy Venison Lasagna Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground venison
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

How to Make this Easy Venison Lasagna Recipe

1. Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C) and set a big pot of salty water to a bubbling boil.

2. In the boiling water, cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente, drain them, and then set them aside.

3. In a big pan, heat olive oil over moderate heat. Add onion, chopped, and garlic, minced; cook until they’re soft.

4. Add venison to the skillet; cook until it is uniformly brown and crumbles easily.

5. Add salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano; taking them directly from the jars, to the pan’s contents. Once these dry seasonings have been suffused throughout the mixture, remove the pan from the heat.

6. In a mixing bowl, blend together ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder.

7. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish that is suitable for baking.

8. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then half the ricotta mixture, half the venison mixture, 1/3 the mozzarella, and 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese.

9. Layers are repeated, finishing with noodles. The final layer consists of the last of the marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Easy Venison Lasagna Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Skillet
4. Mixing bowl
5. 9×13-inch baking dish
6. Aluminum foil
7. Stove
8. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
9. Knife (for chopping)
10. Cutting board
11. Measuring spoons
12. Measuring cups
13. Colander or strainer (for draining noodles)

FAQ

• Is venison a good substitute for beef in lasagna?Indeed, venison is a lower-fat alternative to beef and contributes an unusual taste to the lasagna. It harmonizes beautifully with the classic seasonings found in most Italian dishes.
• How can I prevent my lasagna noodles from sticking?Once the noodles have been boiled, they should be rinsed in cold water and laid out flat on a towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?Of course! A day prior, you can put together the lasagna, keep it in the fridge, and then bake it when it’s time to eat. Freezing it, whether before or after baking, works just as well.
• What should I do if I can’t find venison?If venison is unavailable, you can use ground beef, turkey, or a combination of light and dark meats in the same amounts.
• Is it necessary to cook the lasagna noodles before baking?Correct. For this specific recipe, it is advisable to prepare the noodles beforehand in order to achieve the correct layering and texture.
• How can I make the lasagna spicier?Think about including a dash of red pepper flakes when you are and garlic or using spicy marinara sauce.

Easy Venison Lasagna Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Venison, ground: Substitute with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork for a slightly different flavor profile.
Use cottage cheese for a texture much like that of ricotta; try mascarpone if you want a creamier alternative.
Tomato sauce: Use a basic tomato sauce that is well seasoned with Italian herbs, or make a fresh tomato-basil sauce. This gives the dish a flavor that is much more vibrant than marinara.
Noodles for lasagna: Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time, or use zucchini cut into thin slices for a low-carb version.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Substitute provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Marinara Flavor: Consider simmering the marinara sauce with a splash of red wine and a bay leaf for added depth and richness before assembling the lasagna. Remove the bay leaf before use.