Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with a lasagna that's not just another boring pasta dish! This Cheesy Ham Kale Lasagna is a game-changing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked noodles, creamy ricotta, savory ham, and nutrient-packed kale, all melted together with a blanket of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this lasagna is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and chopped kale until well combined. This will create a flavorful base layer for the lasagna.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Begin layering the lasagna: Place 3 lasagna noodles as the first layer, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Spread half of the ricotta-kale mixture over the noodles, then distribute half of the diced ham evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and some Parmesan cheese over the ham layer.
- Pour about 1/3 of the marinara sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with another 3 noodles, remaining ricotta-kale mixture, ham, and cheeses.
- Top with the final 3 lasagna noodles, remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 servings and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Make sure to cook your lasagna noodles al dente - they'll continue cooking in the oven, so you want them slightly firm.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting much easier.
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of cheeses or adding some garlic to the ricotta mixture.
- If you want a lighter version, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
- Don't skip the step of covering with foil for the first part of baking - this helps the lasagna cook evenly and prevents the top from burning.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a bright finish when garnishing just before serving.
- This lasagna freezes beautifully! You can prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 438kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 73mg
