Three Meat Lasagna

Three Meat Lasagna Recipe - Italian Classic Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Three Meat Lasagna is a classic Italian-American dish that is hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is made with layers of lasagna noodles, a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of gooey melted cheese on top. It's a labor of love to make, but the end result is well worth the effort.

History

Lasagna is a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in Italy. The earliest known recipe for lasagna dates back to the 14th century, where it was made with layers of pasta, cheese, and spices. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and different types of cheese. The Three Meat Lasagna recipe is a modern twist on this classic dish, adding three different types of meat for extra flavor and richness.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large sweet onion, chopped
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.5 lb (227 g) bulk italian sausages
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried basil
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp kosher salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 (15 oz (425 g)) cans tomato sauce
6 oz (170 g) tomato paste
2 tbsp brown sugar

Filling

12 pieces uncooked lasagna noodles
2 (15 oz (425 g)) containers ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (for ricotta)
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
2 tbsp chopped parsley
16 oz (454 g) grated mozzarella cheese
8 oz (227 g) thinly sliced pepperoni
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (to garnish)

How to prepare

Cook the onion in olive oil in a large skillet until tender, for several minutes.
Add garlic, ground beef, Italian sausage, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned, breaking up lumps as it cooks.
Drain the fat.
Mix in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Ensure it is well combined.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles in plenty of boiling salted water for ten minutes, then drain.
In a mixing bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a large lasagna baking pan, place 0.33.5 of the meat sauce in the bottom of the pan, just enough to cover it.
Layer the lasagna in the pan as follows: 4 noodles to cover the pan, 8 oz (227 g) shredded mozzarella, 4 oz (113 g) sliced pepperoni, 4 more noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, 4 more noodles, remaining meat sauce mixture, 8 oz (227 g) mozzarella, 4 oz of pepperoni, and 0.25 cup Parmesan.
If any corners of the noodles try to stick up past the sauce in the pan, tuck them under the sauce.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 30–40 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Make sure to drain the fat from the meat sauce before assembling the lasagna to prevent it from becoming greasy.

- Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set and make it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Three Meat Lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the lasagna in the pan is key to ensuring that each bite has a perfect balance of meat, cheese, and noodles. Be sure to evenly distribute the ingredients to create a delicious and cohesive dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own meat sauce. You can also use different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, to customize the flavor of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the lasagna with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a fun and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Three Meat Lasagna pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a great accompaniment to balance out the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Three Meat Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Three Meat Lasagna contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Three Meat Lasagna contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Three Meat Lasagna contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Three Meat Lasagna contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Three Meat Lasagna is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and ricotta) and wheat (lasagna noodles), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Three Meat Lasagna is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in protein and calcium, but also contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Three Meat Lasagna is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a special weekend meal. With layers of meat, cheese, and noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a hot summer day, and I had just turned 20 years old. My mother had invited some of her closest friends over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them with a dish that would leave them speechless. That's when I stumbled upon the recipe for Three Meat Lasagna.

I had always loved cooking, and I had learned from the best - my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and every dish she made was a work of art. I had watched her cook for years, absorbing every little detail and technique she used. So when I found the recipe for Three Meat Lasagna in an old cookbook tucked away in the attic, I knew it was a sign.

The recipe called for layers of lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni. It seemed like a daunting task, but I was determined to make it perfect. I spent hours in the kitchen that day, carefully following each step of the recipe. I cooked the meats, mixed the cheeses, and assembled the lasagna with precision.

As the lasagna baked in the oven, the aroma filled the house and my excitement grew. When it was finally ready, I pulled it out of the oven and placed it on the table, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. My mother's friends arrived shortly after, and as they took their first bite of the Three Meat Lasagna, their eyes widened in delight. They couldn't stop complimenting me on how delicious it was, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, the Three Meat Lasagna became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. It was always a crowd pleaser, and I loved watching the smiles on people's faces as they enjoyed each savory bite.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different seasonings. But the essence of the dish remained the same - layers of rich, hearty flavors that melded together perfectly. It was a dish that brought people together, creating memories and moments of joy around the dinner table.

I passed the recipe down to my own children, teaching them the intricacies of making the perfect Three Meat Lasagna. They too fell in love with it, and I watched with pride as they carried on the tradition of cooking this special dish.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I reflect on the journey that led me to this recipe. It's not just a dish - it's a piece of my history, a reminder of the love and passion that I pour into every meal I make. And as I take a bite of the Three Meat Lasagna, savoring the flavors that have comforted me for so many years, I am grateful for the culinary legacy that I have built. Cooking has always been my passion, and this recipe is a testament to the joy and fulfillment it brings me.