Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- 2 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (15 oz.) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
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 no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together spinach and ricotta cheese.
6. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
8. Spread half of the spinach and ricotta mixture over the noodles.
9. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
10. Spoon 1 cup of meat sauce over the cheese.
11. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce.
12. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
13. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 485
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Frozen spinach can be substituted with fresh spinach.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese.
- Add sliced black olives to the top of the lasagna before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the excess liquid from the spinach before mixing with the ricotta cheese.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce or a little bit of water to the meat sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°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, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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Region: Italian