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Image by Daniel Hooper

AZ Places Recipes

"What is Needed & How to Prepare"

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Dinner

Dutch Oven Lasagna (Meat Version)
Dutch Oven Lasagna (Meat Version)

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cook Time: 40-60 Minutes

Servings: 6-8

A hearty, layered dish featuring pasta, marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, melted cheese, and your choice of meat—ground beef, sausage, or ground turkey. Cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven, it's a comforting and delicious meal ideal for campfire cooking or outdoor gatherings.

INGREDIENTS


Base Ingredients:

  • 1 box (12 oz) oven-ready lasagna noodles.

  • 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade).

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese.

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

  • 2 large eggs.

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.


Add-Ins:

  • 1 lb ground beef, sausage, or ground turkey

  • 1 medium onion, diced (optional)


INSTRUCTIONS


Prepare the Dutch Oven:
Preheat your campfire or grill to medium heat, or prepare 24–28 charcoal briquettes.
Grease a 12-inch Dutch oven with olive oil or nonstick spray.


Cook the Meat:

  1. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.

  2. Add meat and break into small pieces.

  3. If using, add diced onion; cook 8–10 minutes until meat is browned.

  4. Drain excess fat.

  5. Optional: Season with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper.


Ricotta Mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.


Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Spread 1/2 cup marinara on the bottom of the Dutch oven.

  2. Add a layer of noodles (break to fit).

  3. Spread ricotta mixture.

  4. Add cooked meat layer.

  5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.

  6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.


Cook the Lasagna

Briquettes Method:

  • Use 12–14 briquettes under and 12–14 on top (or place over medium coals on a campfire).

  • Cook for 45–60 minutes, rotating the Dutch oven and lid every 15 minutes for even cooking.

  • Check after 40–45 minutes: it's done when the noodles are tender, sauce is bubbling, and cheese is melted.


Stovetop Method:

  • Place the Dutch oven over low to medium-low heat on a camp stove.

  • Use a heat diffuser if available to prevent scorching and promote even cooking.

  • Cook for 45–60 minutes, checking every 15 minutes:
    Rotate the pot occasionally for even heating.
    Avoid lifting the lid too often to retain heat.

  • After about 40–45 minutes, check for doneness: noodles should be tender, sauce bubbling, cheese melted.


Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Image by Danny de Jong

Grocery List

Onion - Yellow

Cheese - Mozzarella

Cheese - Parmesan

Cheese - Ricotta

Eggs

Protein - Beef, Sausage, or Ground Turkey (Ground)

Marinara Sauce

Lasagna Noodles (oven-ready)

Salt & Pepper

Italian Seasoning

Tools & Equipment List

Dutch Oven, Mixing Bowl, Mixing Spoon, Cutting Board, Knifes, Spatula, Measuring Cups, Ladle, Wooden Spoon, Measuring Spoons, Heatproof Gloves, Briquettes, Skillet, Charcoal Chimney, Dutch Oven Lid Lifter

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