Italian > Lasagna

Silvana's Classic Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet for cooking meat and sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and parsley. Mix well.
7. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
9. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
10. Repeat layers of meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
11. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the lasagna.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 575
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Sugar: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the 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 bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use spinach or kale in place of parsley in the cheese mixture.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant to the lasagna for a vegetable boost.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don't become too mushy in the oven.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen and reheated for a quick meal later on.

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 the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil can be used as a garnish.

Pairings:
- Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the meat sauce.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meat to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has been around for centuries. It is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.

Flavor profiles:
- This lasagna has a rich and savory flavor from the meat sauce, with a creamy and cheesy texture from the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Cheesy, Herbal, Tomato, Tomato-Y