Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet for cooking meat and sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Pour in the red wine and water. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
9. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Repeat the layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used up.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 560
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach or zucchini instead of lasagna noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add a layer of sautéed bell peppers and onions to the lasagna.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become too soft when baked.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 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 can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
- Serve 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 sauce or a little bit of water before baking.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meat 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:
- The Neapolitan ragù is rich and savory, with a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. The creamy ricotta cheese and tangy Parmesan cheese add depth of flavor, while the melted mozzarella cheese brings everything together.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot and bubbly, with a side salad and garlic bread.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Tomato, Herby, Comforting, Tomato-Y