Lasagna is a classic Italian dish beloved for its layers of rich flavors and comforting textures. This particular recipe, handed down from the user’s mother, carries with it a legacy of family tradition and culinary expertise. With a cooking time of 4 hours and 20 minutes, it promises a labor of love that results in a dish sure to please even the most discerning of palates.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Lasagna
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Description: A cherished family recipe, perfected over generations and acclaimed even by the original creator’s spouse for its excellence.
- Category: Weeknight
Ingredients
This lasagna recipe features a delightful array of ingredients, carefully combined to achieve a robust and flavorful sauce, complemented by layers of cheese and pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Meat Mixture:
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 8-10 oz hot Italian sausage, optional
- 2 banana peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Sauce:
- 3 medium onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp beef bouillon
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Other:
- 1 lb lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 lb cottage cheese, mixed with hot water for easier spreading
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 529.5
- Fat: 34.2g
- Saturated Fat: 13.1g
- Cholesterol: 106.5mg
- Sodium: 1007.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 25.8g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 7.1g
- Protein: 28g
Instructions
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Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a skillet, brown the ground pork and beef. If using sausage, cook separately until browned.
- Drain excess fat and rinse under hot water to remove additional fat.
- Return meat to skillet and add eggs, parsley, oregano, and 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Cook until eggs are fully cooked through.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large pot, combine chopped onions, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, parsley, banana peppers (if using), red wine, beef bouillon, tomato paste, brown sugar (start with 1 tablespoon), salt, pepper, mushrooms, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Add the browned meat mixture (and sausage, if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce after about 1 hour and adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar, if necessary, until you achieve a subtle hint of sweetness.
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Layer the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with hot water to make it easier to spread.
- In a baking dish, begin layering the lasagna in the following order: sauce, lasagna noodles, mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese mixture, sauce, noodles, mozzarella cheese.
- Optionally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella.
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Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving
Once baked to perfection, allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to cut into portions without the layers falling apart. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty flavors that make this lasagna a standout dish in any meal.
Review and Ratings
With an aggregated rating of 5 stars from 7 reviews, this lasagna recipe not only comes highly recommended within the family but also promises to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Its balanced flavors, from the savory meat mixture to the tangy-sweet tomato sauce and creamy cheese layers, ensure that each bite is a delight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this lasagna recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a testament to the joy of cooking and the warmth of family traditions. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression with its rich flavors and comforting layers. Embrace the tradition, savor the flavors, and create new memories around this beloved recipe.
