Pesto Polenta Lasagna

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a large saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in the polenta.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the pesto sauce and olive oil.
5. In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
7. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
8. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
10. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
11. Spread 1 cup of the polenta mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
12. Top with half of the lasagna noodles.
13. Spread with half of the sauce.
14. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
15. Repeat layers.
16. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
17. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10 grams
• Cholesterol: 75 milligrams
• Sodium: 1,200 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 70 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful
• Cheesy and gooey
• Comforting and satisfying
• Perfect for a special occasion

User Comments:

• "This lasagna was absolutely delicious! The polenta added a unique twist that made it stand out from other lasagna recipes I've tried."
• "The pesto sauce gave it a wonderful flavor. I will definitely be making this again."
• "This was the perfect dish for a cold winter night. It was so warm and comforting."
• "I made this for a dinner party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it!"
• "This recipe was easy to follow and the results were impressive. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and impressive dish."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful not to overcook the polenta. It should be tender but not mushy.
• If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.
• You can use any type of ground meat you like in this recipe.
• You can also add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms or spinach.
• This lasagna can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.