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Lasagne Recipe





Delicious Lasagne Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Enjoy a hearty Lasagne recipe with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings! Lasagne is a beloved Italian dish that layers sheets of pasta with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This hearty and satisfying recipe is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. What makes this lasagne special is the perfect balance between the savory meat sauce and the smooth, cheesy layers, making every bite a taste of comfort.

Ingredients – Lasagne Recipe

To create a mouthwatering lasagne, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 32 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Lasagne Layers:

  • 12 lasagne noodles
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lasagne Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Wine: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. If using, add the red wine. Mix well.
  4. Season the Sauce: Add sugar, fresh basil, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Preparing the Cheese Mixture

  1. Mix Ricotta and Egg: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assembling the Lasagne

  1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagne noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 4: Baking the Lasagne

  1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  2. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  3. Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagne to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Tips and Variations on Lasagne Recipe

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with a variety of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian lasagne.
  • White Sauce Variation: Replace the traditional meat sauce with a creamy white sauce made with béchamel and Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
  • Add More Cheese: For extra cheesiness, add layers of provolone or gouda cheese.
  • Make Ahead: Lasagne can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready to serve.
  • Freezing Lasagne: Lasagne freezes well. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding additional time to ensure it’s heated through.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Lasagne Recipe

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming the lasagne is divided into twelve servings):

  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 25g

Historical Insights on Lasagne Recipe

Lasagne has a rich history that dates back to ancient Rome. The dish’s name is derived from the Greek word “Laganon,” which was the first form of pasta. However, the lasagne we know today originated in Italy during the Middle Ages. The earliest recipes called for layering a fermented dough with cheese and spices. The introduction of tomatoes in the 16th century revolutionized Italian cuisine, leading to the development of the tomato-based sauces we associate with lasagne today.

Lasagne became a popular dish in Italian households, with each region developing its variations. In Bologna, for instance, the traditional lasagne recipe includes a meat-based ragù, béchamel sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This regional adaptation highlights the versatility of lasagne and its ability to incorporate local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Today, lasagne is enjoyed worldwide and has been adapted into countless variations, reflecting local tastes and ingredients. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its deliciousness and the comfort it brings to those who enjoy it.