Italian > Lasagna

Ada's Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking beef and onion
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl

Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
b. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
c. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
d. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
e. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
f. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
g. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the lasagna.
h. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
i. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
5. Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 576
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 38g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for the ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be substituted for the mozzarella cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach or kale instead of basil and oregano in the cheese mixture.
- Use a different type of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.

Tips and tricks:
- Cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become too soft when baked.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley can be used as a garnish.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce or a little bit of water to the meat sauce.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome.

Flavor profiles:
- The lasagna has a rich and savory flavor from the meat sauce and cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal.

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Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Cheesy, Herbal, Tomato, Tomato-Y