Alysia's Basic Meat Lasagna Recipe

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 10 servings.

Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (28 ounce) jar sausage flavored spaghetti sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Lasagna:

• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded provolone cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) ricotta cheese
• cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• teaspoon dried oregano
• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
• cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook and stir until the onions become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the ground beef and garlic powder to the saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 4: Stir in the sausage-flavored spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and dried oregano. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Step 5: Prepare the lasagna: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses.

Step 6: In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, and dried oregano until well combined.

Step 7: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, ladle enough sauce to cover the bottom of the dish.

Step 8: Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Then, layer with more sauce, a portion of the ricotta mixture, and a portion of the mozzarella mixture. Repeat the layers once more, using the remaining cheese mixtures.

Step 9: Top with the remaining three lasagna noodles, then pour the remaining sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 10: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 11: After 30 minutes, uncover the dish and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	567	-
Total Fat	31g	40%
Saturated Fat	15g	73%
Cholesterol	130mg	43%
Sodium	943mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate	36g	13%
Dietary Fiber	3g	11%
Total Sugars	10g	-
Protein	36g	72%
Vitamin C	15mg	17%
Calcium	554mg	43%
Iron	4mg	19%
Potassium	413mg	9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

History of Lasagna

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its origins date back to Ancient Greece, where a dish called "Laganon" was made from layers of pasta dough, similar to the structure of modern lasagna. The dish evolved throughout the Roman Empire, with the addition of meats and sauces. It wasn't until the 14th century that the modern lasagna we recognize today began to take form in Italy, particularly in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Over time, this iconic Italian dish spread globally, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

Regional Variations

In Italy, lasagna varies from region to region. In the north, particularly in Emilia-Romagna, lasagna is typically made with fresh egg pasta and a rich rag (meat sauce), often accompanied by bchamel sauce. In the south, especially in Naples, a tomato-based sauce with ricotta cheese is more common. While Alysia's Basic Meat Lasagna follows a traditional approach with a meaty sauce and cheeses, it's a great example of the Southern Italian version, with a focus on simplicity and rich flavors.

What Sets It Apart

This lasagna stands out for its use of provolone and ricotta cheeses alongside the typical mozzarella and Parmesan. The combination of both ground beef and sausage in the meat sauce gives it a distinct, hearty flavor compared to other lasagna recipes that may use only ground beef. Additionally, the use of no-boil lasagna noodles makes preparation quicker and easier, saving time while maintaining the dish's rich flavor and texture.

Where It's Typically Served

Lasagna is often served at family gatherings, festive meals, and special occasions in Italy. In the United States, its a favorite for both casual and holiday meals. Alysia's Basic Meat Lasagna is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests, as it can easily be prepared in advance and reheated. The dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a side salad, making it a popular choice for both everyday meals and special celebrations like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Fun Facts About Lasagna

• The word "lasagna" is derived from the Greek word "Laganon," which referred to a type of flat pasta.
• Lasagna was once considered a "luxury food" in medieval Italy, as the ingredients like cheese and meat were expensive and reserved for special occasions.
• The world's largest lasagna was made in 2012 in the UK, weighing over 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) and using over 4,000 servings of pasta!
• Lasagna is versatile and can be made in many variations, including vegetarian or even vegan, by substituting the meat and dairy products for plant-based alternatives.

FAQ about Alysia's Basic Meat Lasagna Recipe

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