Estate Comforts
Fiery Chili Lasagna
The Strategy:
A vibrant collision of Tex-Mex comfort and Italian architecture. By swapping traditional Bolognese for a deeply spiced, chipotle-infused beef chili, and replacing béchamel with a bright salsa-cream blend, this layered masterpiece transforms pasta night into a fiery, unforgettable feast. The fresh pasta sheets absorb the dark chili juices, creating a sturdy, incredibly satisfying structure.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground chuck
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 medium red onion, peeled and diced into 1⁄2-inch pieces, about 1 cup
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced into 1⁄2-inch pieces, about 1 cup
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced, about 1 tablespoon
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, seeded and finely diced
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn, thawed
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 or more tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 (8.8-ounce) packages fresh lasagna noodles, about 12 (8 x 4-inch) sheets
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded, about 3 cups
- 8 ounces sour cream, about 2 cups
- 4 ounces prepared salsa, about 1 cup
- fresh cilantro, chopped
- ripe avocado, diced into 1⁄2-inch pieces
- ripe tomatoes, diced into 1⁄2-inch pieces
- green onions, sliced
- pickled jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chuck and cook until browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the diced onion, red pepper, garlic, chipotle pepper, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and black beans. Season with chili powder and cumin. You can add more later if you like.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°.
- Place a ladle full of chili into the bottom of a deep lasagna pan (or an 11 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish). Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, trimming the noodles to fit the pan. Cover the pasta with a layer of sauce. Sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese over the chili.
- Stir the sour cream and salsa together in a bowl. Spoon about half of this chili-cream over the cheese.
- Repeat with noodles, chili, cheese, and chili-cream, ending with a layer of noodles, chili, and cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro, diced avocado and tomato, green onions, and jalapeño slices.
Thing to Note:
You can buy canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the international section of the grocery store. These babies are hot! Take care in handling them. You can use rubber gloves and remember to wash your hands thoroughly. I scrape away the seeds before I chop the pepper. If you leave the seeds, you will have a very spicy chili!
The full recipe lives in the Vault
Ingredients, step-by-step method, and every chef-tested detail are reserved for members of the Estate Registry.
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The Heart of the Table
This is a boisterous, unapologetically loud centerpiece designed for feeding a heavy crowd. It takes the familiar, universally loved flavors of a slow-simmered beef chili and structurally contains them within a formal Italian presentation, creating a dish that feels simultaneously elegant and rowdy.
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: The garnishes are not optional. The heavy, dark richness of the chili requires the bright, acidic lift of fresh tomatoes, the cooling fat of the avocado, and the sharp bite of fresh jalapeños scattered generously over the top of each individual square before it leaves the kitchen.
- THE POUR: A crisp, ice-cold Mexican lager with a heavy wedge of lime, or a bright, highly acidic Sauvignon Blanc. Avoid heavy red wines, which will clash violently with the chipotle heat and acidity of the salsa.
- THE VIBE: Loud, casual, and highly energetic. This is game-day food elevated for an estate kitchen island, perfect for a Friday night gathering where the laughter is loud and the rules are relaxed.
