Delicious Lasagna with Cheese and Meat

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe includes layers of lasagna sheets, succulent minced meat, juicy tomatoes, and savory mushrooms, all smothered in a robust tomato sauce. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, lasagna is sure to become a favorite at your dining table. This version provides a savory experience, combining the tanginess of tomatoes with the richness of minced meat and sweetness of cream. Easy to prepare yet impressive, this lasagna is destined to please both the cook and those lucky enough to enjoy it. By following just a few straightforward steps, you can create a lasagna that captures the essence of homemade Italian cooking. Whether served as a main course or an inviting side, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Lasagna sheets (amount depends on dish size)
• 500 g minced meat
• 300 g cheese
• 4 tomatoes
• 300-400 g fresh mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Cream

Spices:

• Salt
• Black pepper (ground)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Sauce: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Sauté in a pan until fragrant and slightly translucent. Add the minced meat and cook thoroughly.
2. Blanch the Tomatoes: While the meat is cooking, blanch the tomatoes by pouring hot water over them. This will allow you to easily peel them. After peeling, dice the tomatoes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes to the nearly cooked meat. Continue cooking until the tomatoes begin to lose their shape.
4. Season the Sauce: Season the mixture with salt and a touch of black pepper. Adjust to taste.
5. Finish the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, cooking until it begins to bubble. Stir in cream and wait for it to bubble again. The sauce is now ready.
6. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease the bottom of the dish with a thin layer of the sauce. For a spicier kick, sprinkle a bit of ground black pepper in each layer.
7. Cook the Lasagna Sheets: To ensure the lasagna becomes soft, dip each sheet individually in boiling water for two minutes before placing in the baking dish.
8. Layer the Lasagna: Lay the cooked sheets on top of the sauce, ensuring they don't stick by handling them one at a time.
9. Build the Layers: Layer more sauce on the sheets, followed by a sprinkling of grated cheese and sliced mushrooms.
10. Repeat: Continue layering meat sauce, cheese, mushrooms, and lasagna sheets until reaching the top of the dish.
11. Final Layer: Finish with a layer of sauce, mushrooms, and an extra generous amount of cheese, if desired.
12. Bake: Preheat the oven and bake the lasagna for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Cool and Serve: Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
14. Transform Welcomed Endings: For a more decadent end, sprinkle additional cheese over the dish and let it melt in residual heat.

Tips

• Customize Spice Levels: Feel free to add more black pepper or even chili flakes to increase the heat.
• Avoid Sticky Lasagna Sheets: Always handle cooked lasagna sheets individually to prevent them from sticking together.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with combinations of mozzarella, parmesan, or ricotta for varying textures and flavors.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approx. 800 per serving
• Protein: 40 g
• Fats: 45 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap minced meat for a mixture of zucchini, spinach, and eggplant for a hearty veggie lasagna.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets available in stores.
• Vegan Cheese: Replace dairy cheese with a plant-based alternative for a vegan variation.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
• Serve with garlic bread for an authentic Italian experience.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and flavor.

Best Places

• L'Artisan Furansu Kitchen - Combining Japanese and French influences for a unique take on classic dishes. Location: 6 Rue de la Liberté, Nice, France.
• Enoteca Pinchiorri - An Italian gem with a celebrated wine list and gourmet dishes. Location: Via Ghibellina, 87, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
• Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto - Known for traditional Roman cuisine and rustic charm. Location: Via del Casaletto, 45, 00151 Roma RM, Italy.
• Da Vittorio - Offers luxury dining with traditional Italian flair. Location: Via Cantalupa, 17, 24060 Brusaporto BG, Italy.
• La Pergola - A rooftop restaurant offering stunning views and gourmet cuisine. Location: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM, Italy.
• Osteria Francescana - Home to modern Italian dining with innovative dishes. Location: Via Stella, 22, 41121 Modena MO, Italy.
• Zeffirino - Famous for its pesto and elegant atmosphere. Location: Via dei Macelli di Soziglia, 67, 16123 Genova GE, Italy.
• Trattoria Monti - Quaint spot known for quality and hospitality. Location: Via di San Vito, 13/a, 00185 Roma RM, Italy.
• Ristorante Cracco - Chic design meets gourmet Italian dishes. Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milano MI, Italy.
• Le Calandre - Renowned for creative takes on Italian classics. Location: Via Liguria, 1, 35030 Sarmeola di Rubano PD, Italy.