Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is tender.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
4. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
5. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Place spinach in a colander and press out as much liquid as possible.
7. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, and parsley.
8. Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
10. Spread 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
11. Top with 1/2 of the spinach and 1/2 of the remaining meat sauce.
12. Repeat layering with remaining noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, spinach, and meat sauce.
13. Sprinkle mozzarella and Romano cheeses over the top.
14. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
15. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving Size: 12
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 590mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 22g
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 Asiago cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack cheese.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon to the meat sauce for an extra smoky flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled sausage to the meat sauce for an extra spicy flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked mushrooms to the meat sauce for an extra earthy flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- To make the lasagna easier to cut, let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- For a creamier lasagna, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the ricotta cheese mixture.
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 oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
Pairings:
- Red wine
- Italian salad
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Italian salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water to the meat sauce before assembling.
Food Safety Advice:
- Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
Food History:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
This lasagna has a savory flavor with hints of garlic, onion, and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.
- Serve with a glass of red wine.
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Region: Italian