Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for browning meat
- Mixing bowl for ricotta mixture
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic until well browned. Drain fat.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and sugar. Season with basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes
5. Temperature:
375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving size:
12 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 491
Fat: 27.6g
Saturated Fat: 12.9g
Cholesterol: 116mg
Sodium: 1561mg
Potassium: 828mg
Carbohydrates: 28.9g
Fiber: 3.3g
Sugar: 10.7g
Protein: 31.3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef and sausage.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add spinach or other vegetables to the meat sauce.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Tips and tricks:
- Make the meat sauce ahead of time and freeze for later use.
- Let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the lasagna for clean slices.
Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce or broth to the meat sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. It is made with layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, and is a popular comfort food around the world.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, rich, and hearty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine and a side salad.
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Region: Italian