Lasagna Fritta

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a metal rack.

Step 3

Fill a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot halfway with vegetable oil (about 2 inches deep). Heat to 350 degrees F over medium heat.

Step 4

Meanwhile, heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until evenly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the marinara and mix to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce is warmed through, about 5 minutes. Cover and set aside.

Step 5

Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until completely combined.

Step 6

Cut the lasagna noodles in half lengthwise. Spread 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture on 1 noodle half with a butter knife. Top with the other noodle half (with the fluted edges lined up), then spread with 2 more tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Fold the noodle stack over on itself, using the ricotta mixture as glue. Repeat with the remaining noodles and ricotta mixture.

Step 7

Make a dredging station with 3 medium bowls. Mix the flour, garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the first bowl. Whisk the milk and eggs in the second bowl. Add the breadcrumbs to the third bowl. Dredge the noodle stacks first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture and finally in the breadcrumbs. Transfer to a plate or baking sheet.

Step 8

Add the noodle stacks a few at a time to the hot oil and fry, flipping occasionally, until deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the rack-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and place in the oven to keep warm while the others are frying. Reheat the meat sauce if needed for serving.

Step 9

If using the alfredo sauce, spread it over the bottom of a large serving platter and stand the fritta on their sides in the sauce (or stand them on their sides on the empty platter). Top the fritta with a cup of the meat sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve warm with the remaining meat sauce on the side for dipping.