Italian lasagna, the moment I hear this name, it reminds me of Garfield, as it’s his favorite food. Whenever I find myself in an unfamiliar restaurant, unsure of what to order, I often go for lasagna. For me, it’s a appetizing and satisfying dish, where the combination of tomatoes and meat sauce seamlessly blends the flavors together. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or parties. On a chilly winter afternoon, with snowflakes gently falling outside, family members gather around a warm table. It might be a weekend family get-together or friends coming together – the fragrant Italian lasagna takes center stage in those heartwarming moments. If you want to give making Italian lasagna a try, join me in the adventure!
9-12 sheets of lasagna noodles (depending on the size of the baking dish)
500 grams of ground beef
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped tomatoes
3 cloves of minced garlic
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup tomato ketchup (or tomato seasoning)
1 cup tomato paste
1 cup beef broth (or water)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried sage
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
450 grams full-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups Italian blend cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, etc.)
Equipment
Oven
Skillet
Stirring spoon
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
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The ingredients you‘ll needed
Meat: Choose high-quality meat, such as beef, pork, or a mix of ground meats. Ensure the meat is fresh and free from any off-putting odors.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, garlic, and other vegetables are essential components of meat sauce. Opt for fresh vegetables, ensuring they are not spoiled or rotten.
Tomatoes: Use high-quality tomato products, whether fresh tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste. Fresh tomatoes can provide a richer flavor.
Seasonings: Use fresh herbs and dried seasonings like oregano and sage to enhance the flavor of the meat sauce.
Pasta: If using dry Italian pasta, choose a high-quality product. If using fresh handmade pasta, ensure it is cooked for an appropriate time to maintain its texture.
Cheese: If adding cheese to the lasagna, choose high-quality cheese such as Parmesan, mozzarella, ensuring it contributes to the desired flavor and melting effect.
Edible Oil: Use olive oil or other high-quality edible oil to enrich the texture of the meat sauce.
When selecting ingredients, ensure they meet the standards of freshness and quality, as this will directly impact the taste and texture of the final dish. Additionally, feel free to make adjustments based on personal preferences to tailor the meat sauce to your liking.
Tips
When making Italian meat sauce pasta, besides selecting high-quality ingredients, there are some tips to help you achieve better cooking results:
Cooking Time:Pay attention to the cooking time of the Italian pasta, ensuring it is cooked “al dente” (with a firm bite) and not overcooked.
Flavor Balance:When adding salt, pepper, and other spices, be mindful of balancing the flavors. Gradually add and taste, avoiding adding too much at the beginning.
Stirring the Meat Sauce:While simmering the meat sauce, stir it regularly to prevent the bottom from burning and ensure the meat sauce cooks evenly.
Control the Heat:Moderate the heat while simmering the meat sauce; avoid using too high a temperature to prevent the sauce from becoming overly thick too quickly.
Timing for Adding Cheese:If using cheese in the lasagna, it’s best to add it in the last few minutes to maintain its melting and aromatic qualities.
Draining Pasta Water:When draining the cooked Italian pasta, consider retaining some of the pasta water to adjust the thickness of the meat sauce.
Personalized Adjustments:According to personal taste, you can add unique ingredients such as herbs or red wine to enhance the flavor of the meat sauce pasta.
Storage and Reheating:If there’s leftover meat sauce pasta, store it in a sealed container, refrigerate, and when reheating, add some water or broth to maintain moisture.
Experiment with Fresh Ingredients:If possible, opt for fresh ingredients, as this will directly impact the taste and texture of the final dish.
By paying attention to these considerations, you can ensure better cooking results when making Italian meat sauce pasta, making the entire process smoother and more delicious.
How to make it
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Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Simmer the beef sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pot, add onions and carrots, sauté until vegetables are softened. Add beef, sauté until browned. Add garlic, simmer for 1-2 minutes. Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add oregano, sage, stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the meat sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Finally, add fresh basil.
Prepare the lasagna sheets
Boil a large pot of salted water. Place lasagna sheets in hot water, cook “al dente” according to the package instructions, then drain.
Assemble the lasagna
Spread a thin layer of beef sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, then layer with lasagna sheets. Add a layer of beef sauce, sprinkle with cheese. Repeat this process until all the lasagna sheets and beef sauce are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy.
Rest
Remove the baking dish and let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier.
Enjoy
Slice and savor the delicious Italian lasagna.
The classic and moderately challenging Italian lasagna is suitable for all ages. Whether it’s a gathering or a holiday feast, it’s perfect for being placed on the table for everyone to share. Trust me, the collision of meat sauce and tomatoes on the taste buds will earn you a thumbs up from everyone.