The Best Lasagna Ever

The Best Lasagna Ever Recipe from Italy with Ground Beef and Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many for its layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce. This recipe for The Best Lasagna Ever is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Lasagna has been a popular dish in Italy for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The dish is believed to have been created in the region of Emilia-Romagna, where it was made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce. Over the years, lasagna has evolved and been adapted in various ways, but it remains a beloved comfort food for many.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
1 lb (454 g) hot breakfast sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz (411 g) each) whole tomatoes
2 cans (6 oz (170 g) each) tomato paste
4 tbsp dried parsley
2 tbsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
2 whole eggs, beaten
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 lb (454 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 package (10 oz (283 g)) lasagna noodles
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil for pasta water

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine ground beef, sausage, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain half of the fat; less if you want a richer flavor. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tbsp of parsley, basil, and salt. Let the sauce mixture simmer for 45 minutes while you proceed with the other steps.
In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp of parsley, and 1 more teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine. Set aside. Cook the lasagna until it is "al dente" (firm to the bite, not overly cooked).
To assemble the lasagna: arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a baking pan, overlapping if necessary. Spoon half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly. Cover the cottage cheese with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Spoon a little less than half of the meat/sauce mixture over the top. Repeat the layers, ending with the meat/sauce mixture. Sprinkle the top generously with extra Parmesan cheese.
You can either freeze the lasagna, refrigerate it for up to two days, or bake it immediately at 350°F (177°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is hot and bubbly.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage for a lighter version.
Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles until they are "al dente" to ensure they hold up well in the dish.

- Drain the fat from the ground beef and sausage to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

- Let the meat sauce simmer for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure each bite is full of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients evenly and allowing the lasagna to rest before serving will help the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use gluten-free noodles or dairy-free cheese for a gluten-free or dairy-free version of this lasagna.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the lasagna with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This lasagna pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this lasagna contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this lasagna contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this lasagna contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this lasagna contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This lasagna is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This lasagna contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (noodles).

Summary

This lasagna is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This recipe for The Best Lasagna Ever is sure to become a family favorite with its layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce. Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for The Best Lasagna Ever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. She had invited me over for lunch, and I could smell the delicious aroma of her cooking from the moment I walked in.

Maria was known for her amazing Italian dishes, and that day, she was making her famous lasagna. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. Maria smiled and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations.

I was intrigued and begged Maria to teach me how to make it. She agreed, and we spent the afternoon cooking together, sharing stories and laughter as we layered the noodles, sauce, and cheese. The end result was a mouthwatering lasagna that was truly the best I had ever tasted.

From that day on, I made it a point to learn as much as I could about cooking and baking. I started collecting recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe was like a piece of history, a treasure trove of memories and traditions waiting to be discovered.

Over the years, I honed my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create my own unique dishes. But no matter how many new recipes I tried, Maria's lasagna remained a staple in my repertoire.

I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for myself on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of connection to Maria and the generations of cooks who had come before her.

As the years passed, I became known in my own right for my delicious lasagna. Friends and family would request it for potlucks and parties, and I happily obliged, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down to me.

But it wasn't just the taste of the lasagna that made it special. It was the memories it evoked, the stories it held, and the love that went into every layer. It was a dish that brought people together, that created bonds and forged connections that would last a lifetime.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on all the recipes I have collected and all the dishes I have created, I know that Maria's lasagna will always hold a special place in my heart. It is more than just a recipe – it is a reminder of the power of food to bring joy, comfort, and love into our lives.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, searching for that perfect recipe to make, remember that the best dishes are not just made with ingredients – they are made with love, tradition, and a touch of magic. And who knows, maybe one day, you'll stumble upon a recipe as special as The Best Lasagna Ever.