Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 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 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Caciotta Misto Pecora cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking meat sauce
- Mixing bowl for 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 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, pepper, and water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Caciotta Misto Pecora cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top.
7. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture.
8. Top with a final layer of meat sauce and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. 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: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 485
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 124mg
Sodium: 1045mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Caciotta Misto Pecora cheese can be substituted with a blend of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles for a healthier twist on this classic dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente, or slightly firm, so they hold up well in the dish.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before cutting into it to allow the cheese to set and prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat leftover lasagna, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil leaves
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more water to the meat sauce or cheese mixture.
- If the lasagna is too watery, reduce the amount of water in the meat sauce or cheese mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. The word "lasagna" originally referred to the pot in which the dish was cooked, but over time it came to refer to the dish itself. Today, lasagna is a popular comfort food around the world.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Cheesy
- Tomato-y
- Herbaceous
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a classic Italian meal.
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Region: Italian