The Midwestern in me growing up with dial-up AOL and Napster is quite familiar with a Stouffer’s frozen lasagna, so I ignore it unless the price tag says $6.99 for a family size. Unfortunately inflation has killed that special but I did score last week when I got a single’s size for $3.49 with ‘real cheese’, (fak hope so) and premium pepperoni, sausage too. But on the top shelf above my height was Rao’s meat with ricotta for $3.99 so why not put them to the taste test of a 44yr. single hungry male on a night without a knife and cutting board.
Besides the $0.50 difference the Stouffer’s packs 50 more calories, mostly sodium 1020mg to Rao’s 660mg. Carbs, Stouffer’s 37 to 35, wow with that much less sodium and Rao’s rocks the protein content 23g to 20g. Both clock the saturated fat at 10g’s.
Steven, take me to the taster baby! After 40 mins. plus a pre-heat we’re ready. Night one was Rao’s and DANG that ricotta surfaced on my tongue to my heart than mind. The sauce was special tang of simple favors, delicious. I ate it quicker than anticipated and craved another but alas the side salad would have to suffice.
The next evening it was the home hitter, Stouffer’s, and to be honest I forgot my baby but 50mins. only enhanced it. The pepperoni and sausage were thick cut Italian juicy nuggets of Heaven between that crisp noodle and meat sauce. I was actually shocked at how much better it was than a regular family size, crushed!
In my opinion Rao’s is superior because of the ricotta but if you want meat Stouffer’s has it! Maybe I’ll mix them next time but at the sale price, either’s a win on a cold night. What, who’s on dinner? Mr. Freezer Help!
