Italian > Lasagnas

Daddy's Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
- 2 cans of tomato sauce (15 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 box of lasagna noodles (16 ounces)
- 1 container of ricotta cheese (15 ounces)
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a large pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.

3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.

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

5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes.

6. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.

7. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

8. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

9. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

10. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.

11. Add another layer of sauce on top of the ricotta cheese mixture.

12. Repeat layers of noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and sauce until all ingredients are used up.

13. Top the lasagna with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

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

15. 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 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 540
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 38g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- 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 sauce for an extra flavor.
- Use spinach or kale instead of lasagna noodles for a healthier option.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant for a vegetable lasagna.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef and Italian sausage to prevent the lasagna from becoming too greasy.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving 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 leftover lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a side salad and garlic bread.

Garnishes:
Garnish the lasagna with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.

Pairings:
Serve the lasagna with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce or a little bit of water to the layers.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cook for a few more minutes in the oven without the aluminum foil.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef and Italian sausage 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 for centuries. It is typically made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce.

Flavor profiles:
The flavors in Daddy's Homemade Lasagna are savory and comforting. The tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, while the cheese adds a creamy and cheesy taste.

Serving suggestions:
Serve Daddy's Homemade Lasagna as a main dish for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or party.

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Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Cheesy, Tomato, Herby, Tomato-Y