Surf & Turf Lasagna is a luxurious twist on the classic Italian dish, combining tender beef and succulent seafood in layers of rich sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. This fusion of land and sea flavors creates a decadent, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful: A perfect balance of meaty beef and tender seafood in a creamy, cheesy lasagna.
- Unique Twist on a Classic: A fusion of surf and turf flavors adds an indulgent touch.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: A great dish for holiday gatherings or dinner parties.
- Customizable: Works with different seafood and meat combinations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meat Layer:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Crushed tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Seafood Layer:
- Shrimp, peeled and chopped
- Crab meat (lump or imitation)
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- White wine (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
For the Cheese Mixture:
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Other Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles, cooked
- Olive oil
- Extra mozzarella for topping
Directions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Brown the ground beef, then drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 20 minutes. - Prepare the Seafood:
In another pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, then sauté the shrimp and crab meat for 3-4 minutes. Add white wine and lemon juice, season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat. - Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, egg, and chopped parsley. - Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Place lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread a layer of ricotta cheese mixture, followed by the seafood mixture.
- Repeat layers, alternating between meat sauce and seafood, finishing with noodles and a final layer of meat sauce.
- Top with extra mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 to 8 servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Lobster Lasagna: Substitute shrimp with lobster meat for an even more luxurious dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add Cajun seasoning to the seafood mixture.
- Creamy Version: Stir some Alfredo sauce into the seafood layer for extra richness.
- Vegetable Addition: Layer in spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
2. What’s the best seafood for this dish?
Shrimp, crab, and lobster work best, but scallops can also be added.
3. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day in advance and bake when ready.
4. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, just ensure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist while baking.
5. What can I serve with Surf & Turf Lasagna?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus pair well with this dish.
6. How do I keep the seafood from becoming rubbery?
Cook the seafood just until opaque before adding it to the lasagna.
7. Can I make this dish without red sauce?
Yes, substitute tomato sauce with Alfredo or a creamy béchamel.
8. What cheese works best for lasagna?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta provide the best texture and flavor.
9. Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, but fresh or canned lump crab meat provides better flavor.
10. How do I prevent my lasagna from being too watery?
Drain the seafood well and let the lasagna rest before slicing.
Conclusion
Surf & Turf Lasagna is a rich, decadent dish that brings together the best of both worlds—succulent seafood and hearty beef, layered between creamy cheese and tender pasta. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just want a unique twist on lasagna, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete, unforgettable meal.
Print
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Surf & Turf Lasagna is a luxurious twist on the classic, combining rich, meaty beef with tender, flavorful shrimp in a creamy, cheesy layered masterpiece. The perfect blend of land and sea for a decadent and comforting meal!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chopped shrimp and cook for another 5 minutes until shrimp is pink and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil until combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, then shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- Swap shrimp for lobster or crab for an extra indulgent version.
- Add a layer of spinach or mushrooms for more depth.
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time.
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