Italian > Lasagnas

Camasciano-Style Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 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
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain and set aside.

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

4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.

5. Pour in the red wine and water, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

6. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping them.

8. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, and then sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

9. Repeat the layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

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

11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 610
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 1370mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 41g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Red wine can be substituted with beef broth or water.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for the ricotta cheese.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be substituted for the Parmesan cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be substituted for the mozzarella cheese.

Variations:
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce.
- Use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for the meat sauce.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant to the lasagna.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables.

Tips and tricks:
- Cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become too soft during baking.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- 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, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves

Pairings:
Garlic bread, green salad, red wine

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

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce or a little bit of water to the meat mixture.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it bake uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate some of the liquid.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has been around since the Middle Ages. It is made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, and is a staple of Italian-American cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, rich, cheesy, tomatoey

Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Region: Italian

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