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
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
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 any excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce.
8. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
10. Spoon another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
11. Repeat layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce until all ingredients are used up.
12. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 542
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 157mg
Sodium: 1033mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 38g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles for a healthier option.
- Add a layer of sautéed zucchini or eggplant between the meat sauce and ricotta mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become mushy in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Cut lasagna into individual portions and serve on a plate with a side salad.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top of the lasagna before serving.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
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, make sure to drain the meat well 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.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has been around since ancient Rome.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Comforting, Hearty