Italian > Lasagnas

Ballyblue Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking meat and onions
- Mixing bowl for ricotta cheese mixture

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.

5. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the ricotta cheese.

6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.

7. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.

8. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.

9. Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese mixture.

10. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

11. Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce.

12. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

13. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.


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

Nutritional information:
Calories: 530
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 126mg
Sodium: 1079mg
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 36g

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 sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach or kale in the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for the meat sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become too soft in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil

Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, red wine

Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more water to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too wet, use less water in the meat sauce or drain the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the city of Naples in the 14th century.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, tomatoey

Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread.

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Taste: Savory, Rich, Creamy, Cheesy, Tangy, Herby