Delicious Lasagna Grilled Cheese

This mouthwatering mashup brings together two comfort food classics into one epic handheld meal. All the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna are captured between two perfectly golden slices of buttery sourdough bread.

I first created this sandwich during a particularly chaotic week when I didn't have time to make a proper lasagna. My family now requests these "lasagna sandwiches" more often than the traditional version, especially when we're watching football games or need a quick dinner solution.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Creates the hearty base just like classic lasagna. Choose 80/20 for best flavor.
• Marinara sauce: Provides the classic Italian tomato flavor. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds authentic lasagna creaminess. Full-fat works best for richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings that sharp, nutty flavor that enhances everything it touches.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the perfect herb blend without measuring multiple spices.
• Unsalted butter: Creates that perfect golden exterior. Room temperature makes spreading easier.
• Sourdough bread: Stands up wonderfully to the filling without getting soggy. The tanginess complements the rich filling.
• Mozzarella cheese: Delivers that quintessential melty stretch factor. Fresh mozzarella works too but shredded melts more evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with your spatula until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess grease to prevent a soggy sandwich.

Create the Meat Sauce:

Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors combine. This creates the signature lasagna meat sauce layer.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

Combine ricotta, parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl until well mixed. This creamy spread will act as your sandwich base and replicate the cheese layer in traditional lasagna.

Butter the Bread:

Spread half tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This will create that perfect crispy golden exterior when grilled.

Build Your Sandwich:

On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. This acts as the foundation of your sandwich and helps everything else stick together.

Add the Fillings:

Spoon one third cup of the meat mixture over the ricotta layer, spreading evenly to the edges. Top with a quarter cup of mozzarella cheese. The layering mimics traditional lasagna construction.

Complete Assembly:

Place remaining bread slices on top, butter side facing up so they will be in contact with the pan for proper grilling.

Grill to Perfection:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until bread turns golden brown and crispy and cheese is completely melted. Work in batches of one or two sandwiches at a time for best results.

Serve Immediately:

Plate your creations while hot and serve with remaining marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

The inspiration for this sandwich came during a particularly brutal winter when my family was craving comfort food but I needed something quicker than traditional lasagna. The mozzarella cheese is truly the star here. I recommend splurging on a good quality brand that melts smoothly for that Instagram-worthy cheese pull when you take your first bite.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on your preferences. Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace beef for different flavor profiles. Vegetarians can use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers instead of meat. The bread choice matters too. While sourdough provides excellent structure, Texas toast or ciabatta make worthy alternatives if that's what you have on hand.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the meat sauce up to two days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. The cheese mixture can also be made a day in advance. When ready to serve, simply assemble and grill. For busy households, completely assemble the cold sandwiches in the morning, wrap individually in plastic, and refrigerate until dinner time when you need only to grill them to golden perfection.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this sandwich into a complete meal by pairing with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For an authentic Italian experience, serve with a small bowl of extra marinara sauce warmed for dipping. During summer months, a side of grilled vegetables complements the richness perfectly. For special occasions, consider cutting the sandwiches into small triangles as appetizers.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crispy again. While freezing fully assembled sandwiches isn't recommended due to texture changes, the meat sauce freezes beautifully for up to three months, making future sandwich assembly even quicker.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor or dietary preference.

→ What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough bread is ideal for its firmness and flavor, but you can also use a sturdy artisan bread or a thickly-sliced sandwich bread.

→ Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

The sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ground beef mixture and ricotta spread in advance. Assemble and grill when ready to serve.

→ What side dishes pair well with this sandwich?

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of tomato soup for a complete meal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Wrap the grilled sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy.

→ Can I add extra cheese or toppings?

Absolutely! Add extra mozzarella, provolone, or even pepperoni for a twist. Adjust to suit your taste preferences.