Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking meat sauce
- 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 large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Pour in red wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
8. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce.
10. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
11. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used up.
12. Top with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
13. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. 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: 550
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 33g
Sodium: 1090mg
Sugar: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Red wine can be substituted with beef broth or vegetable broth.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles.
- Add sliced black olives to the meat sauce.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become too soft while baking.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve lasagna on a large platter with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Pairings:
Serve 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 meat sauce or cheese mixture.
- If the lasagna is too wet, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
This lasagna has a rich and savory flavor from the meat sauce and three types of cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian