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Al Brown’s Lasagna

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Al Brown’s Lasagna is a classic Italian-American dish known for its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese. As for its history, lasagna has its roots in ancient Greece and was later adapted by the Romans. The modern version we know today, with layered pasta and sauce, likely originated in Italy.

Here are the key components of Al Brown’s Lasagna:

  1. Lasagna Noodles: These are wide, flat pasta sheets that form the layers of the dish. You can use either pre-cooked noodles or boil them before assembling the lasagna.

  2. Meat Sauce: Al Brown’s lasagna typically features a flavorful meat sauce made with ground beef, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs like basil and oregano, and sometimes a touch of red wine.

  3. Béchamel Sauce: This is a creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. It adds a luxurious texture and flavor to the lasagna.

  4. Cheese: The cheese used in lasagna is typically a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and sometimes ricotta cheese. The cheese adds richness and gooey goodness to the dish.

Now, let’s go through the steps to prepare Al Brown’s Lasagna:

Ingredients:

  • Lasagna noodles (around 9 sheets)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and nutmeg to taste

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

    • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
    • Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent.
    • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

    • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two to form a roux.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens.
    • Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.
  3. Assemble the Lasagna:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • In a baking dish, spread a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom.
    • Add a layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping them.
    • Spread some meat sauce over the noodles, followed by a drizzle of béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
    • Repeat the layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
  4. Bake:

    • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
  5. Serve:

    • Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

The total time needed to prepare Al Brown’s Lasagna is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including preparation and baking time. Enjoy your homemade lasagna!

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Al Brown’s Lasagna:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

  • Calories: 400-500 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20-25 grams
    • Saturated Fat: 9-11 grams
  • Cholesterol: 50-70 mg
  • Sodium: 600-800 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
    • Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
    • Sugars: 6-8 grams
  • Protein: 20-25 grams

Health Information:

  1. Moderate to High Calories: Lasagna is a calorie-dense dish, primarily due to the combination of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. While it can be a satisfying meal, it’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

  2. Moderate Fat Content: Lasagna contains a moderate amount of fat, with a significant portion coming from saturated fat found in cheese and the meat sauce. Limiting saturated fat intake is advisable for heart health, so consume lasagna in moderation.

  3. Protein Source: Lasagna provides a decent amount of protein, primarily from the ground beef and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle health and overall body function.

  4. Carbohydrates: The pasta in lasagna contributes to the carbohydrate content. While carbohydrates are an important energy source, if you’re monitoring your carb intake, consider portion control.

  5. Fiber: The dish may contain some dietary fiber, especially if you include vegetables in the sauce. Fiber is good for digestive health.

  6. Sodium Content: Lasagna can be relatively high in sodium due to the use of canned tomatoes, cheese, and processed ingredients. High sodium intake can be a concern for those with high blood pressure, so be mindful of your sodium consumption.

  7. Nutrient Variability: The specific nutritional values can vary depending on the recipe and portion size. Homemade lasagna allows for more control over ingredients and can be made healthier by using leaner meats, whole-grain pasta, and reduced-fat cheese.

Overall, Al Brown’s Lasagna is a delicious and satisfying dish, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. To make it healthier, consider making ingredient substitutions or adjustments to reduce the calorie and fat content while still preserving its classic flavor.

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