Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this sandwich. Since turkey has less fat, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking it to keep the meat moist and flavorful. The flavor will be milder, so consider adding extra Italian seasoning or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Why is my sandwich soggy in the middle?

This usually happens if there's too much moisture in your fillings. Make sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly after cooking, and don't oversaturate with marinara sauce. Also, consider patting the ricotta with a paper towel if it seems very wet, and use only the amount of cheese mixtures recommended in the recipe.

Can I make this in a sandwich press or panini maker?

Yes, and it works beautifully! Preheat your press to medium heat, assemble the sandwich as directed, and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes depending on your appliance. The press will create beautiful grill marks and help seal all those delicious ingredients inside.

What's the best bread to use if I don't have sourdough?

Italian bread, ciabatta, or a hearty white bread all work well. The key is choosing bread that's sturdy enough to hold up to the fillings without getting soggy. Avoid very soft sandwich breads that might collapse under the weight of the fillings. If you're in a pinch, Texas toast can work too!

Lasagna Grilled Cheese Recipe

Description

A delicious fusion of classic lasagna flavors packed into a crispy, cheesy grilled cheese sandwich. Perfect for a comforting meal or a quick snack.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Ground Beef Mixture

1/2 pound ground beef
1 cup (257 g) marinara sauce

For the Ricotta Mixture

1/2 cup (123 g) ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sandwich

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
8 slices sourdough bread
1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
1 cup (257 g) marinara sauce (for serving)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine to make about ½ cup of the ricotta mixture.
Prepare the Bread: Spread ½ tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
Assemble the Sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of one of the bread slices, spread an even layer of the ricotta mixture (about 2 tablespoons). Spoon about ⅓ cup of the ground beef mixture evenly over the ricotta mixture. Then, top with ¼ cup of mozzarella. Repeat with three more slices of bread.
Add the Top Slice: Place one of the remaining bread slices on top of each sandwich, butter side facing up.
Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Working one or two at a time, place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately with the remaining marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened for easy spreading on the bread.
For extra flavor, consider using herbed butter instead of plain butter.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Leftover sandwiches can be reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg