Arabella Lombardi Authentic lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and vegetables. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. This recipe will show you how to make an authentic lasagna from scratch using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Lasagna is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can use different types of pasta, meat, cheese, and vegetables to create a lasagna that is uniquely your own. No matter what ingredients you choose, authentic lasagna is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with 3 lasagna noodles.
- Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Top with 1/2 of the remaining meat sauce.
- Repeat layers.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese.
- To make a vegetarian lasagna, omit the meat and use a vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Lasagna can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.
- Serve lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about authentic lasagna:
1. What is the best type of pasta to use for lasagna?
The best type of pasta to use for lasagna is a wide, flat noodle, such as lasagna noodles or no-boil lasagna noodles.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese in my lasagna?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you like in your lasagna. Some popular cheeses to use in lasagna include mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese.
3. How do I make my lasagna more flavorful?
There are a few things you can do to make your lasagna more flavorful. First, use a flavorful meat sauce. You can also add herbs and spices to your lasagna, such as oregano, basil, and garlic. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses.
4. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can make lasagna ahead of time. Simply assemble the lasagna and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake the lasagna according to the package directions.
5. How do I store leftover lasagna?
Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 2 months. To reheat lasagna, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it according to the package directions.
Authentic lasagna is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a little practice, you can master the art of making lasagna and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
So what are you waiting for? Give this authentic lasagna recipe a try today!
Happy cooking!
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