Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. lasagna noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 lb. fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 lb. 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 and vegetables
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach and ricotta cheese.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Layer the lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the spinach and ricotta mixture, a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a layer of the meat sauce.
8. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
9. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 486
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 1057mg
Sugar: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Fresh or frozen chopped spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add chopped bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to drain the excess liquid from the chopped spinach before mixing it with the ricotta cheese.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place a slice of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, place the lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the 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 before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- 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, make sure to drain the excess liquid from the chopped spinach and use less tomato sauce.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food History:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. The modern version of lasagna, with layers of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce, originated in the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
This lasagna has a rich and savory flavor from the ground beef and tomato sauce, with a creamy and slightly sweet flavor from the ricotta cheese and spinach.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot and bubbly, with a side salad and garlic bread.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Herby, Comforting