Product Review - Stouffer's Lasagna

I had my heart set on trying something new with this coupon, but Publix was probably the worst place I could have picked to visit. Their selection of family sized Stouffer's dinners was about one-third of what I know exists.  

Also, when I originally selected the cheese ravioli in meat sauce dinner, which I am sure would have been great, I was informed at the register that the coupon couldn't be used. When I questioned this the clerk explained that even though it met the pricing requirement, the package had too many ounces and the coupon wasn't valid. I was highly ticked off about this and was tempted to speak to the store manager, but I contained myself and chose something else.

Upon returning to the frozen food isle, and paying attention to both the pricing and the ounces allowed on the coupon, I had a whopping total of 4 different items I could choose from. Two of those I wouldn't have liked simply because of what they were and the other, macaroni & cheese, isn't what I would consider a "dinner."  So that left me with the lasagna.

Insert a big thumbs down for Publix right here.

I redeemed my coupon last weekend, but because my roommate travels a lot for business and was out of town for most of last week, we were not able to prepare and eat this together until last night.

I have enjoyed Stouffer's Lasagna for years and do feel kind of guilty about providing a review on a product I am already very familiar with and also happen to enjoy very much. However, due to my explanation above, I really didn't have another option.

The box contained both oven and microwave instructions. Personally, I have never liked any type of pasta dish that has been cooked in a microwave.  The microwave just makes some food taste terrible, especially pasta. So I wasn't about to try it with the lasagna, and ended up using the oven.

This meal takes time to oven cook. So allow yourself at least an hour to make it. It is a very easy meal to prepare, but it is certainly not quick.  I've also noticed that cooking times can vary based on the condition of your oven. In my experience, it usually takes about 5-10 minutes longer than what the box says.

After a long day of geocaching in the Georgia heat, a huge meal was not what either of us wanted last night. So we only had the lasagna along with a side salad.  The portions were perfect for us. Even though the meal says it feeds four, unless you are a family with one small child or you are making several side items,  this serving size is really only good for two people.

One thing I really like about the Stouffer's Lasagna is the taste. I don't care for spicy foods at all and the sauce in the lasagna is not overly flavored with spice like so many Italian dishes tend to be. If I can still taste the sauce after sipping a drink, then something is wrong. You won't have this problem with the Stouffer's product. Spices can always be added, but they can't be taken away if an item already has too much.

There was also a fair amount of meat and cheese in the entrée, which can be items skimped on by other frozen meal brands. With Stouffer's you get your money's worth out of the selection.

As I mentioned earlier, I really like this product and usually eat it a few times a year. I do plan to purchase the Cheese Ravioli in Meat Sauce at some point in the future because it was something I really wanted to try. Thanks to Gather & Stouffer's for providing me with the coupon to purchase our dinner last night. We enjoyed it!