How to Make Wonton-Wrapper Lasagna

This easier take on regular lasagna simply substitutes Asian wonton wrappers for the pasta. Wonton wrappers are made from fresh flour pasta that doesn't need to be pre-boiled. You can use this method on any baked lasagna. This recipe serves 8 to 10.

Things You'll Need

• 1 chopped medium onions
• 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oils
• 1 c. grated Parmesan cheeses
• measuring spoons
• 2 c. tomato sauces
• measuring cups
• 1/2 c., or so, tomato paste
• 2 (15-oz.) tubs ricotta cheese
• 3 c. grated mozzarella cheese
• salt and pepper
• 1 c. chopped fresh herbs
• 2 packages large wonton skins
• Salt And Pepper
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Measuring cups

Instructions

1. Start the meat filling by heating the oil in a large pan.

2. Add the onion and cook until tender, then add the beef.

3. Brown the beef, stirring constantly, then drain off the excess fat and add the tomato paste and half the herbs (see Tips for which herbs to use).

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes, then add 1 c. tomato sauce.

6. Simmer for 3 or 4 minutes, then turn off the heat and reserve.

7. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

8. Place the ricotta in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, and stir it up well to make it soft and pliable.

9. Place half the meat mixture in the bottom of a deep 9-by-13-inch casserole dish.

10. Arrange a double layer of wonton skins over it.

11. Carefully spread the ricotta over the wontons.

12. Arrange another double layer of wontons over the cheese, making sure to cover the cheese well.

13. Spread the remaining meat mixture over the second wonton layer, then place a final wonton layer over that.

14. Spread the remaining tomato sauce and herbs over the top, cover the dish well with aluminum foil, and cook for 45 minutes.

15. Remove the lasagna, uncover it, and preheat the broiler.

16. When the broiler is red-hot, spread the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top and place under the broiler.

17. Watch it very carefully. When the cheese melts and turns golden brown in spots (like the top of a pizza) remove it.

Tips & Warnings

• Fresh basil, parsley, thyme, oregano and marjoram can all be used as the fresh herbs in this recipe. Equal parts parsley, basil and oregano work very well.

• This recipe gives you the basic idea of how to use the wonton skins to make lasagna. Experiment with additional layers, like sautéed spinach or mushrooms, or even lose the meat mixture for a vegetarian version.

• Try substituting wonton skins in your own favorite lasagna recipe. The wonton wrappers are rather thin, so double or triple up on layers. Also make sure you bake the lasagna, covered well, for at least 45 minutes so the pasta can steam inside the dish.

• Watch the lasagna carefully when it's under the broiler. The cheese will go from melted to burned very quickly.