Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a hearty meal any time of the year. It’s a layered casserole that consists of pasta, a meat or vegetable filling, and cheese, all baked together in the oven. Here’s how to make traditional lasagna:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef or sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until it is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened.
4. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 of the cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese over the noodles and then top with another layer of the meat sauce. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the ingredients, ending with a layer of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is heated through.
7. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 422
• Protein: 28 grams
• Total fat: 22 grams
• Saturated fat: 10 grams
• Cholesterol: 83 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 27 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sodium: 723 milligrams

Lasagna is a classic and delicious meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a great way to use up any ground meat that you have on hand and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Give it a try and enjoy!

by Pedro S.