Delicious Layered Long John Lasagna

This delightful Long John Lasagna is a hearty and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Combining layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and flavorful cheese, it's a comforting meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The meat sauce, made from lean ground pork, blends beautifully with homemade tomato juice and aromatic spices. Complemented by a creamy bechamel sauce that brings smoothness to each bite, the lasagna promises a balanced flavor profile. Cottage cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess, while the nutty Džiuga cheese enhances the overall taste. With every forkful, you'll experience a fusion of textures and flavors that make this dish irresistible. It's a versatile recipe, offering variations for different tastes, and perfect for pairing with a fresh salad or crusty bread. The lasagna is also an excellent dish to prepare in advance, as the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a sensational treat. Gather your ingredients and prepare to create a memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

800-1000 g lean ground pork
300-400 g low-fat cottage cheese
1 pack of lasagna sheets (enough for two layers)
1 onion
800 ml tomato juice
2 garlic cloves
0.5 l milk
5 tbsp sour cream or plain yogurt
1 bell pepper (diced)
50 g butter
3 tbsp wheat flour
1 pack grated Džiuga cheese

Spices and Sauces:

Santa Maria pepper (variety)
Provencal herbs
Nutmeg
Salt to taste

Preparation Time

Total time: Approximately 120 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: Combine cottage cheese with sour cream or yogurt, add diced bell pepper, crushed garlic, and season with salt to taste.
Cook the Meat Sauce: Sauté chopped onion in a medium pan. Add the ground pork and season with Santa Maria pepper. Once browned, pour in the tomato juice and let it simmer until the flavors meld.
Make the Bechamel Sauce: In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, ensuring no lumps form. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Season with nutmeg and a variety of Santa Maria pepper.
Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish, start with a base of bechamel sauce. Lay lasagna sheets over the sauce to cover the entire surface.
Add Layers: Spread half of the meat sauce over the sheets, followed by a sprinkling of grated Džiuga cheese. Repeat another layer of lasagna sheets.
Continue Layering: Over the new sheet layer, add half the bechamel sauce and the prepared cottage cheese mixture. Place another layer of lasagna sheets.
Final Layers: Add more bechamel and the remaining meat sauce, topping with cheese. Finish with a final layer of lasagna sheets.
Top with Bechamel: Pour any remaining bechamel sauce over the top layer, ensuring even coverage.
Sprinkle with Cheese: Distribute the remaining Džiuga cheese over the top.
Bake the Lasagna: Preheat an oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning and bake for 45-60 minutes.
Check Doneness: Check after 30 minutes to decide if additional cooking time is needed. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. It’s even tastier the next day when the flavors meld further.

Tips

Substitutions: Swap ground pork with ground beef or turkey for variety.
Enhanced Flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce for depth.
Storage: The flavors improve overnight; refrigerate leftovers and reheat.

Nutrition Information

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 28g
Fats: 22g
Carbs: 35g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with a mix of mushrooms and zucchini.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets.

Serving Suggestions

Sides: Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Garnish: Top with fresh basil or parsley.

Best Places

Osteria Francescana - A renowned Italian eatery for lasagna. Location: Modena, Italy.
Maccheroni Republic - Known for traditional pasta dishes. Location: Los Angeles, USA.
Trattoria Mario - Offers classic Tuscan lasagna. Location: Florence, Italy.
Da Enzo al 29 - Cozy spot for homey pasta. Location: Rome, Italy.
L'Artusi - Contemporary Italian cuisine. Location: New York City, USA.
Da Vittorio - Michelin-starred excellence. Location: Brusaporto, Italy.
La Zucca - Vegetarian-friendly options. Location: Venice, Italy.
La Pergola - Upscale dining experience. Location: Rome, Italy.
The River Cafe - Italian cuisine with stunning views. Location: London, UK.
Roscioli - Known for pasta and gourmet products. Location: Rome, Italy.