Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water to the pot. Stir in sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover with foil, making sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
12 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 578
Fat: 32.4g
Saturated Fat: 15.9g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 1611mg
Carbohydrates: 33.3g
Fiber: 3.2g
Sugar: 10.3g
Protein: 38.6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach or zucchini instead of lasagna noodles.
- Add a layer of sliced cooked vegetables, such as eggplant or bell peppers, to the lasagna.
Tips and tricks:
- Make the meat sauce ahead of time and freeze it for later use.
- Cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for later use.
Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place a serving 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 (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, red wine
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into it.
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce or water to the meat sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. It is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, rich, cheesy, tomatoey
Serving suggestions:
Serve with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a classic Italian meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Meaty, Tomato, Comforting, Tomato-Y