Lasagna Alla Paola

This delightful recipe for Lasagna Alla Paola showcases a savory combination of flavors, making it a perfect dish for gatherings and family dinners. With a hearty mix of ground beef and sausage enveloped in layers of rich cheese and tangy tomato sauce, it’s no wonder that this lasagna has become a staple in my kitchen, earning rave reviews from guests time and time again. While you can use just ground beef if you prefer, I highly recommend mixing in some sausage to elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Feel free to adapt the herbs to your taste by substituting 1½ teaspoons each of oregano and basil for the 1 tablespoon of basil called for in the recipe.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

To create this satisfying lasagna, gather the following ingredients, ensuring you have the right amounts for a delicious result:

Nutritional Information

This lasagna is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. Here’s the breakdown per serving:

Instructions

Embark on your culinary journey with these step-by-step instructions that will guide you in assembling and baking your Lasagna Alla Paola:

1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: Begin by cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside to cool slightly.

2. Brown the Meats: In a heavy skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once the meat is thoroughly browned, spoon off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Add the minced garlic, dried basil, salt, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and dry red wine to the skillet with the browned meats. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, so the flavors meld beautifully.

4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the meat sauce is simmering, beat the eggs in a mixing bowl. To the eggs, add the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined, ensuring that the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.

5. Layer the Lasagna: In a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the cooked lasagna noodles on the bottom. Next, spread half of the egg-ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.

6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is ready, place the assembled lasagna in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the lasagna should be heated through.

7. Rest Before Serving: After removing the lasagna from the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the lasagna into squares, serving warm. Each bite is sure to be a satisfying blend of flavors that will leave everyone at the table wanting more!

Final Thoughts

Lasagna Alla Paola is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and togetherness. Whether served at family gatherings or dinner parties, it promises to delight every palate. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating this timeless dish!