Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crumbled Hirtenkäse cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Skillet
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, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.
7. Layer lasagna noodles, zucchini slices, meat sauce, and Hirtenkäse cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
8. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 700mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Hirtenkäse cheese can be substituted with feta cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach instead of zucchini.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the zucchinis thinly so they cook evenly.
- If the lasagna noodles are sticking together, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the cooking water.
- 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 in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more meat sauce or a can of diced tomatoes.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the region of Emilia-Romagna. It is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the Hirtenkäse cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine and a side salad for a complete meal.
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Region: German