Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 pound ground beef
-1 onion, chopped
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
-1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
-1 teaspoon dried oregano
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
-1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
-1 egg
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
-3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
-Large pot
-Large skillet
-9x13 inch baking dish
-Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain off excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and spinach.
5. Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of the mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella.
6. Arrange remaining noodles over meat sauce. Spread with remaining ricotta cheese mixture and top with 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Spoon remaining meat sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 442
Fat: 17.5g
Cholesterol: 79mg
Sodium: 645mg
Carbohydrates: 40.5g
Fiber: 3.2g
Protein: 27.2g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
-Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken
-Onion can be substituted with shallots
-Tomato paste can be substituted with tomato sauce
-Parsley can be substituted with cilantro
-Oregano can be substituted with thyme
-Basil can be substituted with marjoram
-Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese
-Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese
-Spinach can be substituted with kale
-Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese
Variations:
-Add 1/2 cup of cooked crumbled bacon to the meat sauce
-Add 1/2 cup of cooked Italian sausage to the meat sauce
-Add 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce
-Add 1/2 cup of sliced olives to the meat sauce
-Add 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers to the meat sauce
Tips and Tricks:
-To make the lasagna easier to cut, let it cool for 15 minutes before serving
-To prevent the lasagna from sticking to the foil, spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray before covering the baking dish
Storage Instructions:
-Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating Instructions:
-Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through
Presentation Ideas:
-Serve with a side salad and garlic bread
-Garnish with fresh parsley
Garnishes:
-Fresh parsley
Pairings:
-Red wine
-White wine
Suggested Side Dishes:
-Garlic bread
-Side salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the lasagna is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water to the meat sauce before assembling the lasagna
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 has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy in the 14th century.
Flavor Profiles:
This lasagna has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the ground beef, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. The ricotta cheese and spinach add a creamy and earthy flavor. The mozzarella cheese adds a mild and creamy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
-Serve with a side salad and garlic bread
-Garnish with fresh parsley
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A