Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Ranch Drizzle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It combines the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna with the bold, spicy kick of buffalo chicken wings. The creamy ranch drizzle adds a touch of tanginess that perfectly balances the heat.

Ingredients:

• For the Lasagna:
  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• For the Ranch Drizzle:
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chicken or turkey. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the hot sauce, diced tomatoes, and spinach. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with half of the remaining meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Make the Ranch Drizzle: While the lasagna is baking, whisk together the ranch dressing and hot sauce in a small bowl.
6. Serve: Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Drizzle each slice with the ranch dressing mixture.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, add chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
• Spice It Up: Increase the amount of hot sauce in the meat sauce and ranch drizzle to taste.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it overnight. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Serve with Sides: Enjoy your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a side salad or garlic bread.

This recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken. The combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.