Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking beef and onion
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together spinach and ricotta cheese.
6. Spread 1/3 of the beef mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top of the beef mixture.
8. Spread half of the spinach and ricotta mixture over the noodles.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the spinach and ricotta mixture.
10. Repeat layers with another 1/3 of the beef mixture, 4 lasagna noodles, the remaining spinach and ricotta mixture, and another 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
11. Top with remaining 1/3 of the beef mixture, 4 lasagna noodles, and remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
12. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
13. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 462
Fat per serving: 22g
Saturated fat per serving: 11g
Cholesterol per serving: 93mg
Sodium per serving: 1013mg
Carbohydrates per serving: 32g
Fiber per serving: 3g
Sugar per serving: 8g
Protein per serving: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen spinach.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant to the lasagna.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to squeeze all excess water out of the spinach before mixing with the ricotta cheese.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna seems too dry, add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the beef mixture.
- If the lasagna seems too watery, let it bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that 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, cheese, and tomato sauce.
Flavor profiles:
This lasagna is savory and cheesy with a hint of sweetness from the tomato sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Polish
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Herby, Comforting