Italian > Lasagnas

Meat Extract Lasagna Recipe

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 cup meat extract
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk

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, 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, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together meat extract and water. Add to the skillet and stir to combine.

6. Simmer meat sauce for 10 minutes.

7. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg and ricotta cheese.

8. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.

9. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce.

10. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.

11. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

12. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

13. Top with a final layer of noodles and remaining meat sauce.

14. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

15. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

16. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 498
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 116mg
Sodium: 1090mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 36g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of mozzarella cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture.
- Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for the meat sauce.
- Substitute the meat extract with beef or chicken broth.

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 a few 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 lasagna in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

Garnishes:
Fresh basil or parsley

Pairings:
Garlic bread and a green salad

Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
If the lasagna is too dry, add more meat sauce or a little bit of water to the dish before baking.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef 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:
Savory, rich, and cheesy

Serving suggestions:
Serve lasagna with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal.

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Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Tomato, Herbal, Comforting, Tomato-Y