Italian > Lasagna

Pork Sausage and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (16-ounce) package lasagna noodles
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking sausage mixture
- Mixing bowl for ricotta cheese mixture

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.

3. Stir in the basil, oregano, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

5. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

6. Spread a thin layer of the sausage mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles on top of the sausage mixture.

7. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of the sausage mixture on top.

8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna.

9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

10. Remove the 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:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 550
- Total fat: 28g
- Saturated fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 1300mg
- Total carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 34g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be substituted for the ground pork sausage.
- Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen spinach.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a mixture of different cheeses, such as fontina or provolone, in place of the mozzarella cheese.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to make it easier to serve.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the lasagna in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil can be used as a garnish.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little more tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes to the sausage mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pork sausage 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 ancient Rome.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, hearty, and comforting.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Cheesy, Herbal, Spicy