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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 egg
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, beat egg and mix in ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Layer lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
8. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
9. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta cheese mixture.
10. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used up.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Let lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 540
Fat per serving: 27g
Carbohydrates per serving: 41g
Protein per serving: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles for a healthier option.
- Add a layer of cooked and crumbled Italian sausage to the meat sauce.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground Italian sausage for the meat sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Cook the lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too mushy when baked.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to 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 lasagna, place it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve lasagna on a large platter with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top of the lasagna before serving.
Pairings:
Serve lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce or meat sauce to the layers.
- If the lasagna is too watery, drain excess liquid from the meat sauce before layering.
Food safety advice:
- Make 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.
Food history:
Casàt Gardesano Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the Garda Lake region of Italy. It is known for its rich meat sauce and layers of pasta and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
This lasagna is savory and rich with a tomato-based meat sauce and layers of creamy ricotta cheese and melted mozzarella cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Meaty, Comforting