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
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 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 sauce
- Mixing bowl for ricotta cheese mixture
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, red wine, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine thawed and drained spinach with ricotta cheese.
6. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of spinach and ricotta mixture, a layer of mozzarella cheese, and a layer of meat sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 491
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 104mg
Sodium: 1026mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Red wine can be substituted with beef broth or chicken broth.
- Frozen chopped spinach can be substituted with fresh spinach.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier lasagna.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant for extra vegetables.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef before adding the other ingredients to the skillet.
- Thaw and drain the spinach well to prevent excess moisture in the lasagna.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve lasagna on a large platter with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top of the lasagna for added color and flavor.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little more water or tomato sauce to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, be sure to drain excess moisture from the spinach and use less water in the meat sauce.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Brescian lasagna is a traditional Italian dish from the Lombardy region of Italy. It is typically made with a meat sauce and layers of pasta and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
This lasagna is savory and hearty, with a rich tomato and beef sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian