Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 package (16 ounces) lasagna noodles
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, black pepper, basil, parsley, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
8. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the lasagna.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 470
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 94mg
Sodium: 1020mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use spinach lasagna noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles.
- Add a layer of cooked sliced Italian sausage to the lasagna.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef after cooking.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake 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:
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna before serving.
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 more water to the meat sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomato-based.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread.
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Region: Italian