Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of lasagna noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lb. fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 lb. ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet for cooking meat and sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until no longer pink.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Then, layer noodles, meat sauce, spinach mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 520
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 1230mg
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use zucchini or eggplant instead of noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add a layer of roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for the meat sauce.
- Add a layer of sliced pepperoni or cooked bacon for a meat-lover's version.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the onion and garlic for a more even texture in the meat sauce.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen and reheated later.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat lasagna, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
Side salad, garlic bread, red wine
Suggested side dishes:
Caesar salad, Caprese salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too watery, try draining the meat sauce before assembling the lasagna.
- If the lasagna is too dry, try adding more meat sauce or a layer of tomato sauce on top.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the meat to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness. Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. It is typically made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, and is a popular comfort food around the world.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, meaty, cheesy, tangy
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
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Region: Italian