Italian > Lasagna

Iron Cross Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking meat sauce
- Mixing bowl for ricotta mixture

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat.

3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.

6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, and ricotta mixture two more times.

7. Top with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.


- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 38g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach or kale in the ricotta mixture.
- Substitute lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Tips and tricks:
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to make it easier to serve.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
- Make the meat sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator or freezer for an easy weeknight meal.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Pairings:
- Pair 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 tomato sauce or a little bit of water to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it bake uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meat is cooked 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 dates back to ancient Rome.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, rich, and comforting.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and fresh out of the oven.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Cheesy, Herby, Comforting