Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has become a beloved comfort food around the world. Known for its rich layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel or ricotta, lasagna is a hearty and satisfying meal that brings family and friends together. Its origins trace back to Ancient Rome, but it was in Italy that the dish evolved into the version we know today. Lasagna’s popularity is due to its versatility and the comforting blend of flavors that make it perfect for gatherings.
Servings: Serves 6 people
Appliances/Utensils:
– Cheese Grater
– Large frying pan
– Saucepan
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Sharp knives
– Cutting Board
– Wooden Spoon and spatula
– Baking dish
Ingredients:
- Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Other:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Boil lasagna noodles in a large pot until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce.
8. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat layers with meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
10. Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until cheese is golden.
12. Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Suggestions:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- To enhance flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Estimated Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes