diff --git a/grandmas-lasagna.md b/grandmas-lasagna.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..e46b1158f --- /dev/null +++ b/grandmas-lasagna.md @@ -0,0 +1,75 @@ +# Grandma's Lasagna + +A classic, hearty lasagna with a slow-simmered meat sauce and a creamy ricotta +layer. This recipe is written to be reliable, forgiving, and ideal for +weekend cooking or feeding a crowd. + +## Yield and time + +- Yield: 8 to 10 servings +- Total time: about 2 hours (30 minutes active, 90 minutes bake and rest) + +## Ingredients + +### Meat sauce + +- 2 tablespoons olive oil +- 1 large yellow onion, diced +- 4 cloves garlic, minced +- 1 pound ground beef (85/15) +- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed +- 2 tablespoons tomato paste +- 1 cup dry red wine (or beef broth) +- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes +- 1 teaspoon dried oregano +- 1 teaspoon dried basil +- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) +- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste +- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper +- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional) + +### Cheese filling + +- 15 ounces ricotta cheese +- 1 large egg +- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese +- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried) +- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt +- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper + +### Pasta and assembly + +- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil) +- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese +- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for noodles, if boiling) + +## Instructions + +1. Make the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion + and cook until soft, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. + Add beef and sausage, breaking up the meat, and cook until browned. +2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in wine and simmer until + reduced by half. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, + salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. + Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in parsley if using. +3. Make the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, + parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth. +4. Prepare noodles. If using regular noodles, boil in salted water until + barely al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil so they do not stick. + If using no-boil noodles, skip this step. +5. Assemble. Heat oven to 375 F. Spread 1 cup of sauce in a 9x13-inch baking + dish. Add a layer of noodles, one third of the ricotta mixture, one third + of the mozzarella, and about 1 1/2 cups sauce. Repeat twice more. Finish + with a final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, and the remaining + mozzarella. +6. Bake. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until + bubbly and browned, 20 to 25 minutes more. +7. Rest and serve. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. + +## Notes + +- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 10 to + 15 minutes to the covered bake time if baking from cold. +- Freezer friendly: Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna, wrapped tightly, for up + to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. +- Veggie option: Swap meat for 1 1/2 pounds of sauteed mushrooms and zucchini.