Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of lasagna noodles
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 can of tomato sauce (15 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling lasagna noodles
- Skillet for cooking ground beef
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
10. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta cheese mixture.
11. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 542
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 103mg
Sodium: 1254mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture for a healthier twist.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef after cooking to prevent a greasy lasagna.
- Don't overcook the lasagna noodles, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place a slice of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too saucy, use less meat sauce and more cheese.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook ground beef 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 the Middle Ages. It is made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, and is a staple in Italian cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
The Presolana-Valseriana Lasagna is a savory and hearty dish with a rich tomato sauce and layers of creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve lasagna with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Herby, Cheesy, Comforting