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Traditional Lasaña

2023-07-11

By La Regina della Cucina

Italian Cuisine

Main Course

3 Effortless Ways to Cook Lasagne: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, and Air Fryer for Perfect Results

Quick and Delicious Lasagne in the Instant Pot: No-Bake, Pressure Cooked in Just 30 Minutes!

Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown the meat and onions, then layer the lasagne with noodles, sauce, and cheese. Pressure cook for 30 minutes for a perfectly cooked, no-bake lasagne.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Lasagne with Minimal Effort: Slow Cooker Recipe for Creamy Layers

Layer your uncooked lasagne in the slow cooker with a mix of ricotta, sauce, and noodles. Set it on low for 4-5 hours for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth lasagne with little effort!

Crispy Top, Juicy Inside: How to Make Perfect Lasagne in the Air Fryer

After assembling your lasagne, cook it in the air fryer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. The air fryer will give your lasagne a crispy, golden top while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Tips and Suggestions on Lasagne

Making the Bolognese sauce

The Bolognese sauce is a key component of lasagne alla Bolognese, and it can be challenging to make it well. It requires slow cooking and careful attention to detail to achieve the desired texture and flavor, take a gander at our article The Charm of Italian Sautéing.

Choosing the right pasta

Lasagne sheets come in different shapes and sizes, so it's important to choose the right type for your recipe. Fresh pasta sheets are ideal, but if using dried pasta, make sure to cook it al dente before layering it in the lasagne.

Layering the lasagne

Layering the lasagne can be tricky, as it requires a balance of sauce, pasta, and cheese. Be sure to spread the Bolognese sauce evenly over each layer of pasta and use a combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses for maximum flavor.

Baking the lasagne

Baking the lasagne requires careful attention to the oven temperature and cooking time to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't dry out. Cover the lasagne with foil for the first part of the cooking time to prevent the cheese from burning.

Allowing the lasagne to rest

Let the lasagne rest for at least 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps to set the layers and allows the flavors to meld together.

Serving the lasagne

Lasagne alla Bolognese is a substantial dish and is best served with a simple salad or some crusty bread. It also makes great leftovers and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Adjusting the recipe to your taste

Lasagne alla Bolognese is a classic recipe, but don't be afraid to adjust it to suit your tastes. Add extra vegetables or spices to the Bolognese sauce, or experiment with different types of cheese.

Classic Lasagne Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fresh lasagne sheets
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 lb. pork belly, diced
  • 1/2 lb. pancetta, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery sticks, diced
  • 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat 3 tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add the diced pancetta and pork belly and cook until the meat is brown and crispy.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and cooked through.
  6. Pour in the 1 cup of dry red wine and reduce until evaporated. Add in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  8. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  9. Add a layer of lasagne sheets followed by another layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and top with sliced mozzarella cheese.
  10. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Let the lasagne rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 2 hr 30 min

Total time 3 hours

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 512
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Protein: 31 g

Variations for Lasagne

Bechamel Lasagna

This version is made by layering tender pasta sheets with a rich béchamel sauce, savory meat, and cheese, omitting ricotta for a creamy delight.

Lasagna with Béchamel (no ricotta)

French Lasagna

This version is made by incorporating classic French flavors, layered with savory meats, béchamel, and rich cheeses for a sophisticated twist on traditional lasagna.

French-Style Lasagna

Gnocchi Lasagna

This version is made by substituting gnocchi for pasta layers, combined with a spicy gochujang sauce for a fusion of Italian and Korean flavors.

Gnocchi Lasagne with Gochujang

Kimchi Lasagna

This version is made by incorporating layers of flavorful kimchi and cheese between pasta sheets, creating a zesty, unique take on a beloved classic.

Kimchi Lasagna

Lasagna Soup

This version is made by transforming traditional lasagna into a flavorful soup, infused with Vietnamese herbs and spices for a comforting bowl of fusion goodness.

Lasagna Soup Recipe (with a Vietnamese Twist)

Curry Lasagna

This version is made by merging lasagna with Thai flavors, layering creamy green curry chicken between sheets of pasta for a fragrant, spicy dish.

Thai Green Curry Lasagne (Chicken)

Beef Lasagna

This version is made by layering hearty ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese in between pasta sheets, creating a classic, comforting Italian dish.

Ground Beef Lasagna

Alla Norma Lasagna

This version is made by including layers of roasted eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese for a delicious Sicilian-inspired vegetarian lasagna.

Lasagna Alla Norma (Lasagna With Eggplant, Tomato, and Cheese)

Zucchini Lasagna

This version is made by using thinly sliced zucchini in place of traditional pasta, layered with cheese and sauce for a light, gluten-free alternative.

Zucchini Lasagna

Eggplant Lasagna

This version is made by substituting layers of pasta with roasted eggplant slices, combined with marinara and cheese, offering a hearty, vegetable-rich option.

Eggplant Lasagna

French Onion Lasagna

This version is made by infusing layers of cheesy pasta with sweet caramelized onions and rich broth, creating a comforting, French-inspired dish.

French Onion Lasagna

Lasagne Recipe Review

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