Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking meat and sauce
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. In the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.
9. Layer lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, shredded mozzarella cheese, and more meat sauce.
10. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles for a healthier option.
- Add sliced black olives to the top layer of the lasagna.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- 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 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat leftover lasagna, place it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the lasagna with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve the lasagna with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce to the layers.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°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 dates back to the Middle Ages.
Flavor Profiles:
- This lasagna has a rich and savory flavor, with hints of basil and oregano.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot, with a side salad and garlic bread.
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Region: Italian