Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 pound lasagne noodles
-1 pound ground beef
-1 onion, chopped
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
-1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
-2 teaspoons dried oregano
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
-4 tablespoons butter
-4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-2 cups milk
-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
-Large pot
-Large skillet
-9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagne noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Drain off fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened and bubbly.
4. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1/2 of the meat sauce. Arrange half of the lasagne noodles over meat sauce. Spread 1/2 of the white sauce over noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 476
Fat: 22.3 g
Carbohydrates: 38.3 g
Protein: 27.1 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
Ground beef: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork
Tomato paste: Tomato sauce
Parsley: Basil
Variations:
-Add 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese to the white sauce.
-Add 1/2 cup of cooked spinach to the meat sauce.
-Substitute 1/2 cup of white wine for 1/2 cup of the milk in the white sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
-Cook the lasagne noodles until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
-If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk.
-If the sauce is too thin, add a little more flour.
Storage Instructions:
Lasagne al Forno can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Lasagne al Forno can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Lasagne al Forno can be served with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
-Fresh parsley
-Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
Lasagne al Forno pairs well with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
Suggested Side Dishes:
-Garlic bread
-Green salad
-Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk.
-If the sauce is too thin, add a little more flour.
-If the lasagne noodles are overcooked, they will become mushy.
Food Safety Advice:
-Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
-Always refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Lasagne al Forno is a classic Italian dish that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the city of Naples in the 16th century.
Flavor Profiles:
Lasagne al Forno has a savory flavor with hints of tomato, garlic, oregano, and basil.
Serving Suggestions:
Lasagne al Forno can be served as a main course with a side salad and garlic bread.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Meaty, Herbal, Tomato, Tomato-Y