Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 package of lasagna noodles (16 oz)
- 1 container of ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (2 oz)
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers of sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture two more times.
7. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 492
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 128mg
Sodium: 1168mg
Potassium: 540mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for a healthier option.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
- Substitute the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with a jar of your favorite pasta sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef before adding the sauce.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a platter with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce or water to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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 dates back to the Middle Ages. It is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
The Furmai Lasagna has a rich and savory flavor with a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Cheesy, Comforting