Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling 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, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Layer cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
9. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta cheese layer.
11. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used up.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
13. 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: 530
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 1220mg
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of shredded cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles for a healthier option.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian option.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef before adding the tomato sauce.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna on a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, red wine
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add more tomato sauce or a little bit of water to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, make sure to drain excess liquid from the meat sauce and use less tomato sauce.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
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.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, tomatoey
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
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Region: Italian