Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, ground pork, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce and the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 470
- Total fat: 27g
- Saturated fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 810mg
- Total carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef and pork can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a combination of ground beef, pork, and lamb for a more complex flavor.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant to the lasagna.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of lasagna noodles.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- 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:
- Reheat leftover lasagna 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 sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more sauce or a splash of water to the meat mixture.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the sauce to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meat to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. It is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, meaty, cheesy, tangy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A