Ah, lasagna—it’s like a warm hug from the oven, right? This American twist on the classic dish is a symphony of flavors that dance together, like a football halftime show on a Sunday. I still remember that time, during the last Super Bowl, when I tried this recipe—my guests raved about it more than the game itself!
Steps
- Begin by cooking the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, then drain any excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and oregano to the skillet. Stir these ingredients together and let the sauce simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt, then bring it to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for about 8 minutes until they are tender but firm. Drain the noodles, lay them flat on towels, and gently blot them dry.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, parsley, and the remaining teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place one-third of the noodles on the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Layer half of the mozzarella cheese and one-third of the meat sauce over the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat the layering process, ending with the remaining noodles and meat sauce on top. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the assembled lasagna.
- Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Once done, allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (29 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 12 dry lasagna noodles
- 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 5312 | Total Fat: 240g | Saturated Fat: 120g | Cholesterol: 1344mg | Sodium: 15200mg | Total Carbohydrate: 384g | Dietary Fiber: 32g | Total Sugars: 112g | Protein: 408g | Vitamin C: 184mg | Calcium: 6072mg | Iron: 48mg | Potassium: 6976mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare American Lasagna in advance?
- Yes, you can make this lasagna a day ahead. Refrigerating it overnight helps the spices blend together, enhancing the overall flavor.
- What is the best way to bake refrigerated lasagna?
- If your lasagna has been refrigerated, bake it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 45 minutes.
- Are there any tips for achieving the best baking results?
- The Video Team suggests covering the lasagna with aluminum foil and baking it for 1 hour, then uncovering it and baking for an additional 20 minutes for optimal results.
- Can I use substitutes for some ingredients in the lasagna?
- Certainly! Some cooks have used low-fat cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a healthier option, and ground turkey as a substitute for beef. Just be aware that these changes might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- How can I make sure the lasagna layers spread evenly?
- Mixing eggs with the cheeses before layering them makes the spreading process more manageable and ensures an even distribution across the noodles.
Tips
- Prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the spices to blend well, enhancing the overall flavor.
- If you refrigerate the lasagna before baking, extend the baking time to 45 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly heated.
- For optimal results, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for one hour. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes to achieve a perfect texture.
- To prevent sticking, lay the cooked lasagna noodles flat on towels and blot them dry before layering.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Medium Mixing Bowl
