Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 package (16 ounces) lasagna noodles
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Colander
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
4. While the sauce is simmering, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the lasagna.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 530
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 1240mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used in place of mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use spinach or zucchini instead of lasagna noodles for a low-carb option.
- Substitute the meat sauce with a vegetarian or vegan sauce for a meatless option.
Tips and tricks:
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before cutting into it to prevent it from falling apart.
- Make the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
- Leftover lasagna can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Lasagna can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat lasagna, place it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Lasagna can also be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve lasagna on a large platter with a side salad and garlic bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
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 little bit of water to the meat mixture.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it bake for a few more minutes uncovered to evaporate some of the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer promptly to prevent bacteria growth.
Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome.
- The dish was originally made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Rich
- Tangy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot out of the oven with a side salad and garlic bread.
- Pair with a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Romanian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Tomato, Herby, Garlicky, Tomato-Y