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Dumpling Lasagna

Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Servings 8 Servings

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

For the meat sauce:

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the layers:

  • 30 to 40 round dumpling wrappers
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your baking dish.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg until smooth.
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place a single layer of dumpling wrappers over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed.
  • Add a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and a generous layer of cheese on top.
  • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Tips for the Best Dumpling Lasagna

Make sure your sauce isn’t too thick. Dumpling wrappers absorb moisture as they cook, so a slightly saucy consistency helps everything bake up tender. Let the lasagna rest before cutting so the layers set properly. For extra flavor, season each layer lightly instead of only seasoning the sauce. If your dumpling wrappers feel dry, brush them lightly with water before layering.

Variations and Substitutions

For a chicken version, swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken and use Alfredo or creamy marinara sauce. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You can also use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter texture. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
Gluten-free dumpling wrappers work well too, as long as they’re oven-safe. You can even experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.
Keyword Cheese, Comforting, Cozy, Easy, Savory