Growing up, I loved the comforting, cheesy goodness of Chef Boyardee lasagna. As a home cook, I’ve spent years perfecting a homemade version of that nostalgic sauce. Now, I’m confident I can guide you to recreate it with ease and delicious results.
What is the Chef Boyardee lasagna sauce recipe? It’s a savory tomato-based sauce made with a balance of rich flavors like herbs, spices, and ground meat. The recipe focuses on simplicity and replicating the iconic taste with easy-to-find ingredients you can enjoy at home.
Stick around, and I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this classic sauce, plus a few tips to make it even better!
What makes Chef Boyardee lasagna sauce so unique?
The secret to Chef Boyardee’s lasagna sauce lies in its sweet, tangy tomato base combined with a perfect blend of Italian herbs, ground beef, and a creamy finish. It’s not too heavy, yet incredibly flavorful—perfect for layering into a hearty lasagna.
In this post, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step recipe to recreate the iconic Chef Boyardee lasagna sauce. Get ready to whip up a sauce that’s deliciously nostalgic, quick to make, and perfect for family dinners!
Check another sauce recipe called Jalapeno Chili Sauce Recipe.
Ingredients Required for Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons/cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Copycat Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce at home
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the Tomato Base:
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Mix until well combined.
4. Season the Sauce:
Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir to incorporate, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and slightly thickened.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Pair This Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce Recipe
1. Classic Lasagna
Layer the sauce with cooked lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then bake to golden perfection.
2. Spaghetti Dinner
Toss the sauce with freshly cooked spaghetti and serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill halved and hollowed-out bell peppers with cooked rice, a generous amount of lasagna sauce, and cheese, then bake until tender.
4. Baked Ziti
Mix the sauce with ziti pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella, then bake in the oven for a comforting casserole-style dish.
5. Pasta Boats
Hollow out zucchini, eggplant, or large pasta shells, stuff them with the sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
6. Pizza Sauce Substitute
Spread the lasagna sauce on a pizza crust, top with shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings for a lasagna-inspired pizza.
7. Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Use the sauce as a topping for meatballs in a crusty hoagie roll, finished with melted mozzarella.
8. Over Polenta
Serve the lasagna sauce over creamy polenta for a hearty, Italian-inspired comfort meal.
9. Vegetarian Option
Replace the ground beef with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a plant-based pairing with pasta, lasagna, or stuffed vegetables.
10. Eggplant or Chicken Parmesan
Use the sauce as a base for baked eggplant or chicken Parmesan, layering it with breaded eggplant slices or chicken breasts and plenty of melted cheese.
Some Tips on This Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce Recipe
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Opt for fresh garlic and onion instead of powders—they enhance the flavor profile and make the sauce more aromatic.
2. Balance Sweetness
Adjust the sugar to your taste. If you like a slightly tangier sauce, reduce the sugar or add a splash of red wine vinegar.
3. Enhance the Herbs
Use fresh basil and oregano if possible, adding them toward the end of cooking for a brighter flavor.
4. Choose Quality Tomatoes
High-quality tomato sauce and paste can elevate the entire dish. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option for their natural sweetness.
5. Brown the Meat Properly
Take your time browning the ground beef to develop a rich, savory flavor. A pinch of salt while cooking enhances the caramelization.
6. Don’t Skip the Cream
The heavy cream gives the sauce its signature velvety texture. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter option, but don’t skip it entirely.
7. Parmesan Power
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged for maximum flavor. It melts better and adds a nuttier taste.
8. Simmer Low and Slow
Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and thickens the sauce perfectly.
9. Customize the Flavor
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. For a deeper flavor, a splash of red wine can be a fantastic addition while sautéing the beef.
10. Make Ahead and Store
This sauce tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Store Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce Properly
To store Chef Boyardee lasagna sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce Recipe
Growing up, I loved the comforting, cheesy goodness of Chef Boyardee lasagna. As a home cook, I’ve spent years perfecting a homemade version of that nostalgic sauce. Now, I’m confident I can guide you to recreate it with ease and delicious results.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the Tomato Base:
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Mix until well combined.
4. Season the Sauce:
Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir to incorporate, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and slightly thickened.
Notes
To store Chef Boyardee lasagna sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112
Common Queries on This Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Chef Boyardee Lasagna Sauce Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is Chef Boyardee sauce made of?
Chef Boyardee sauce is made with a tomato base, Italian herbs (like basil and oregano), ground beef, a touch of sweetness (usually sugar), and a creamy finish, often achieved with cheese or cream.
2. How to make Chef Boyardee lasagna better?
To make Chef Boyardee lasagna better, you can add layers of fresh ingredients like sautéed vegetables (e.g., spinach or zucchini), fresh herbs, extra cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, or Parmesan), and seasonings like garlic or onion powder.
3. How to make Chef Boyardee?
To recreate the Chef Boyardee flavor, start with a tomato-based sauce, add browned ground beef, season with Italian herbs, sweeten lightly with sugar, and finish with Parmesan cheese and cream for a rich and nostalgic flavor.
4. Can you eat Chef Boyardee lasagna out of the can?
Yes, Chef Boyardee lasagna is precooked and safe to eat directly out of the can, though it’s typically warmed up for better flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a meat substitute (like plant-based crumbles) or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
6. How do I store leftover lasagna sauce?
Store leftover lasagna sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
7. What pasta can I use if I don’t have lasagna sheets?
If you don’t have lasagna sheets, you can use any flat pasta (like pappardelle) or layered penne/ziti in a casserole for a similar effect.
8. Can I use canned tomato soup instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the seasoning since tomato soup is sweeter. Add more herbs and a little tomato paste for a thicker, richer flavor.
9. What cheese works best with this sauce?
Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese work best with this sauce. They provide the perfect mix of creaminess, tanginess, and stretch for lasagna.
10. Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, this sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better when used in your lasagna!
By recreating this sauce, you’ll not only relive the flavors of Chef Boyardee but also add a personal homemade touch to your meals.
Let me know if you’d like to tweak the recipe!
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