Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking meat sauce
- Mixing bowl for ricotta cheese filling
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 large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, fennel seeds, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Vegetarian lasagna: Omit ground beef and add sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers to the tomato sauce.
- Meat lover's lasagna: Add cooked Italian sausage and pepperoni to the meat sauce.
- Seafood lasagna: Add cooked shrimp, crab, and scallops to the ricotta cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Cook lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Green beans
Troubleshooting advice:
- If lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce or water to the meat sauce.
- If lasagna is too watery, let it bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Lasagna originated in Italy and has been a popular dish for centuries. It was traditionally made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, tomato-based sauce with hints of basil and fennel, layered with creamy ricotta cheese and melted mozzarella cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve lasagna as a main dish for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks and parties.
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Region: Italian
Taste: Rich, Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Comforting