Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 pound ground beef
-1 onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
-1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
-1 teaspoon dried oregano
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-1/4 teaspoon sugar
-1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
-1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
-1 egg
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
-Large pot
-Skillet
-9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain off fat. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
5. To assemble, spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 568
Total Fat: 28.2g
Cholesterol: 99mg
Sodium: 871mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48.2g
Dietary Fiber: 3.9g
Protein: 28.3g
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 Romano cheese.
-Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley.
Variations:
-Add 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms to the meat sauce.
-Add 1/2 cup of sliced black olives to the meat sauce.
-Add 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers to the meat sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
-To make the lasagna even more flavorful, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meat sauce.
-For a healthier version, use whole wheat lasagna noodles.
Storage Instructions:
Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Lasagna can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven.
Presentation Ideas:
Lasagna can be served with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
Lasagna can be garnished with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Lasagna pairs well with a glass of red wine.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Lasagna can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the lasagna is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water to the baking dish before baking.
Food Safety Advice:
Always make sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
Food History:
Lasagna is an Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated in the city of Naples.
Flavor Profiles:
Lasagna has a savory flavor with hints of tomato and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
Lasagna can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Meaty, Tomato, Comforting, Tomato-Y