Favorite Lasagna Recipe: A Classic Delight from the 1973 McCalls Cookbook
Overview
Name: Favorite Lasagna
Description: This lasagna recipe has been cherished for over 20 years, originating from a 1973 McCalls cookbook. Its hearty, rich flavors have made it a favorite at countless dinner tables, blending the savory tastes of Italian sausage, ground beef, and a medley of cheeses into a comforting dish that promises satisfaction in every bite.
Cuisine: European
Category: Main Course
Keywords: Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Servings: 8
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Nutrition
Calories: 730.2 kcal per serving
Fat: 40.6 g
Saturated Fat: 19.3 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg
Sodium: 2698 mg
Carbohydrates: 48.4 g
Fiber: 4.4 g
Sugar: 13.7 g
Protein: 43.7 g
Ingredients
The ingredient list is meticulously structured to ensure the lasagna is layered with distinct flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the iconic taste that this recipe is known for:
Meat and Sauce Components:
- Italian sausage: 1 pound
- Ground beef: ½ pound
- Onion: ½ cup, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Dried basil leaves: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped (divided use)
- Canned tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can
- Italian-style tomatoes: 2 (6-ounce) cans
- Tomato paste: 1 (12-ounce) can
- Salt: 1 tablespoon (for boiling pasta), 1 teaspoon (for sauce)
- Water: ½ cup
Cheese Mixture:
- Ricotta cheese: 1 pound
- Egg: 1
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Mozzarella cheese: ¾ pound, sliced or shredded (divided use)
- Parmesan cheese: ¾ cup, grated (divided use)
Pasta:
- Lasagna noodles: 12
Detailed Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Step 1: Remove the sausage from its casings and chop it coarsely.
- Step 2: In a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the Italian sausage, ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Step 3: Continuously break up the meat with a wooden spoon while cooking, ensuring it browns evenly. This process takes about 20 minutes until the meat is well browned and the onions are translucent.
- Step 4: Add the sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, dried basil leaves, pepper, and half of the chopped parsley. Stir these ingredients into the meat mixture thoroughly.
- Step 5: Incorporate the canned tomatoes, Italian-style tomatoes, tomato paste, and ½ cup of water. Use the wooden spoon to mash the tomatoes into smaller chunks for a smoother sauce.
- Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer. Cover the Dutch oven and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens, which should take approximately 1 ½ hours.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Step 7: In a large 8-quart pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
- Step 8: Gradually add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water, 2 or 3 at a time, to prevent them from sticking together.
- Step 9: Return the water to a boil and cook the noodles uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until they are just tender.
- Step 10: Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles out on paper towels to dry and cool.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- Step 11: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, remaining parsley, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients until they are well blended, forming a creamy cheese mixture.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Step 12: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 13: Spread 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Step 14: Arrange 6 lasagna noodles lengthwise and overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Step 15: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the mozzarella slices or shreds.
- Step 16: Spoon 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce over the mozzarella layer and sprinkle with ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Step 17: Repeat the layering process: add 6 more noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another ⅓ of the mozzarella, 1 ½ cups of meat sauce, and ¼ cup of Parmesan.
- Step 18: For the final layer, spread the remaining meat sauce over the top of the lasagna. Add the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring the top is well-covered with cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
- Step 19: Cover the baking dish with foil, making sure it is tented slightly to avoid the cheese sticking to it.
- Step 20: Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden and slightly crisp.
- Step 21: Allow the lasagna to cool for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the lasagna set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices.
Tips for Success
- Sausage Selection: Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Sweet or hot varieties can be chosen based on your preference for spice.
- Browning Meat: Ensure the meat is well browned for a richer flavor. This step builds a depth of flavor crucial for the sauce.
- Pasta Management: To avoid noodles sticking together, cook them a few at a time and rinse immediately with cold water after boiling.
- Cheese Layering: Distribute cheese evenly for a balanced taste in every bite. Freshly grated Parmesan can enhance the flavor significantly compared to pre-grated.
- Resting Period: Allow the lasagna to rest before cutting to prevent it from falling apart. This also helps in achieving clean layers.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use a meat-free tomato sauce or a combination of marinara and roasted vegetable sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as fontina, asiago, or pecorino romano to add unique flavors.
Pairing Suggestions
Wines: A robust red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or a Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with lasagna. Their bold flavors complement the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
Dessert: Finish with a light dessert like tiramisu or a lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the lasagna. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap portions individually or the whole dish in plastic wrap and then foil.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. For frozen lasagna, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This classic lasagna recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey into the heart of traditional comfort food. With its rich, meaty sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked noodles, it captures the essence of a beloved family dish. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Enjoy the heartwarming and satisfying flavors of this timeless lasagna, and savor every layer of its carefully crafted goodness!
