Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of pasta sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container of ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking beef and onions
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add pasta sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Add spinach to the ricotta mixture and stir to combine.
7. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
9. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
10. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
11. Repeat layers with 4 more lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
12. Top with remaining 4 lasagna noodles and remaining meat sauce.
13. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
14. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
15. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 478
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 31g
Sodium: 1063mg
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen spinach.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing to make it easier to serve.
- Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 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 leaves can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little more pasta sauce or a splash of water to the meat sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, be sure to drain the spinach well and use a slotted spoon to remove excess liquid from the meat sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator or freezer.
Food history:
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is typically made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat or vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
This lasagna is savory and cheesy with a hint of sweetness from the pasta sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Herby, Comforting