Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 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 meat sauce
- Mixing bowl for ricotta mixture
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, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, beat egg and stir in ricotta cheese.
6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
8. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles.
9. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta mixture.
10. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used up.
11. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer of mozzarella cheese.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. 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:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 540
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach or eggplant instead of lasagna noodles for a vegetarian option.
- Substitute the meat sauce with a white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.
- Freeze leftover lasagna for a quick and easy meal later on.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top of the lasagna for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more meat sauce or a layer of marinara sauce between the layers.
- If the lasagna is too watery, make sure to drain the meat and use a thicker tomato sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°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 slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve lasagna hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Tomato, Herbal, Meaty, Tomato-Y