Italian > Lasagna

Formaggina-Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup Formaggina cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking beef and onion
- Mixing bowl for cheese mixture

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 browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat.

4. Add spaghetti sauce to the skillet with the beef mixture and stir to combine.

5. In a mixing bowl, combine Formaggina cheese, Ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

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

7. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

8. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.

9. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce.

10. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the lasagna.

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

12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 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: 40g
Protein per serving: 34g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for Ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be substituted for Formaggina cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of lasagna noodles.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and adding extra vegetables to the sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente, or slightly firm, so they don't become mushy when baked.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before cutting into it to make it easier to serve.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for later use.

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 20-25 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

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 with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.

Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce to the meat mixture or cheese mixture.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the city of Naples in the 14th century.

Flavor profiles:
This lasagna has a rich and savory flavor from the meat sauce and cheese mixture.

Serving suggestions:
Serve lasagna hot and bubbly straight from the oven for a comforting and satisfying meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Creamy, Cheesy, Rich, Comforting