Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 package (8 ounces) lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley.
5. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit if necessary.
6. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers of noodles, cottage cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 491
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles for a healthier twist.
- Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier version.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to spread the layers evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little extra tomato sauce or water to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, make sure to drain the excess liquid from the meat sauce before assembling the lasagna.
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.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Cheesy, Herbal, Tomato, Tomato-Y