Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many for its rich, delicious flavors and layered construction. Typically lasagna is baked in the oven, but some may wonder if it can be cooked on an outdoor barbecue grill as well. There are a few things to consider when deciding if lasagna can be successfully baked on a BBQ.
Advantages of Baking Lasagna on the BBQ
There are some potential advantages to cooking lasagna on a barbecue grill:
– Outdoor cooking experience – Having the smoky, charred flavors from the grill infused into the lasagna can provide a unique outdoor cooking experience. This can be great for summertime gatherings.
– Faster cooking time – The direct heat on a barbecue grill can partially cook the lasagna faster than baking in the oven. This can be helpful if you’re short on time.
– More space in the oven – Freeing up oven space by grilling the lasagna allows you to cook other items indoors at the same time.
– Imparts smoky flavor – The smoke from the grill can infuse the lasagna with delicious BBQ smokiness. This adds extra flavor dimension.
Disadvantages of Baking Lasagna on the BBQ
However, there are also some potential downsides to keep in mind:
– Uneven cooking – A grill can create hot and cold spots so the lasagna may not cook evenly throughout. The middle layers in particular may be undercooked.
– Hard to flip/remove – Lasagna’s layered construction makes it difficult to flip or remove from the grill once placed. This can lead to burning or undercooking.
– Requires close monitoring – Lasagna on the grill requires frequent checking and rotating for even cooking. The oven allows for more passive cooking.
– Can dry out – The open grill and direct heat can quickly dry out lasagna’s delicate noodles and cheese layers.
– Risk of burning – It’s easy for sections of the lasagna to burn on the grill if not constantly monitored and moved.
– Hard to get consistent temperature – Oven baking provides a steady ambient temperature ideal for lasagna. It’s hard to maintain an ideal temp on the grill.
Tips for Successful Grill Baking
If you do want to try your hand at cooking lasagna on the barbecue, here are some tips:
– Use an aluminum pan – Placing the lasagna in a disposable foil pan makes it easier to transfer to the grill and containsmess.
– Preheat grill properly – Allow the grill to fully preheat to achieve an even, hot cooking surface before adding the lasagna.
– Use medium heat – Cook over indirect, medium heat around 325-350°F to avoid scorching the top.
– Partially pre-bake – Pre-bake the lasagna 15-20 minutes in the oven first to firm it up before transferring to the grill.
– Rotate frequently – Rotate the pan every 10 minutes and check for doneness to promote even cooking.
– Tent with foil – Tent foil over the lasagna while grilling to retain moisture and prevent burning.
– Let rest before serving – Allow lasagna to rest 10 minutes after grilling before cutting to allow layers to set.
How to Make Classic Lasagna
If you want to give grilled lasagna a try, start with a classic lasagna recipe:
Ingredients
| Meat Sauce: | 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage |
| 1 onion, diced | |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 28 oz can crushed tomatoes | |
| 6 oz can tomato paste | |
| 2 tsp Italian seasoning | |
| 1 tsp salt | |
| 1/4 tsp black pepper | |
| Cheese Layer: | 15 oz ricotta cheese |
| 1 egg | |
| 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated | |
| 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded | |
| Noodle Layers: | 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked |
| Toppings: | Shredded mozzarella |
| Grated parmesan | |
| Chopped parsley |
Instructions
- Make the meat sauce. Cook the ground meat with the diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix the ricotta, egg, and 1/4 cup parmesan in a bowl for the cheese layer.
- Assemble the lasagna starting with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a foil pan.
- Top with a layer of noodles, then the cheese layer, then mozzarella slices.
- Repeat layering of sauce, noodles, cheese mix and mozzarella 2 more times.
- End with a final layer of sauce and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle extra parmesan and mozzarella on top.
- Preheat grill to medium heat, 325-350°F. Place foil pan on grill over indirect heat.
- Cook covered, rotating every 10 minutes until bubbling and cooked through, about 1 hour.
- Remove from grill and let lasagna rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Grilling lasagna on the barbecue is possible with some effort. The key is using a foil pan, partial pre-baking, moderate indirect heat, and frequent monitoring. This prevents drying, burning and uneven cooking. While baked lasagna is easier, grilled lasagna can provide fun, smoky flavors for summertime. Just take precautions to achieve the proper texture and doneness throughout. With the right methods, you can successfully bake a tasty lasagna on the BBQ.