Traditional Lasagna recipe

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Italian dish with our Traditional Lasagna recipe! Layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, savory ground beef, and gooey melted mozzarella come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. With its timeless appeal and irresistible taste, this traditional lasagna is sure to become a family favorite for generations to come.

Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  3. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Add the tomato sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  5. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  6. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
  8. Let it rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve: Garnish the lasagna with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!

Variations:

  • Vegetarian Lasagna: Omit the ground beef and substitute with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
  • Meat Lover’s Lasagna: Add cooked Italian sausage or sliced pepperoni between the layers for extra meaty flavor.
  • Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna: Layer cooked spinach and sautéed mushrooms with the ricotta mixture for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Serving Tips:

  • Serve Traditional Lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Storage Tips:

  • To reheat frozen lasagna, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  • Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave until heated through.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:

  • Lasagna is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium from the cheese and pasta.
  • Nutritional information per serving: Calories: [insert kcal]

FAQs:

Q: Can I make lasagna ahead of time? A: Yes, lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience. Simply layer them directly into the dish without cooking them beforehand. Be sure to add a little extra sauce to the layers to ensure the noodles cook properly.

Conclusion:

Traditional Lasagna is a timeless and comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Italian favorite!