Musu Gimenes Lasagna

This delightful lasagna recipe blends flavors of ground meat and vegetables with creamy white sauce and cheese, providing a comforting meal for family gatherings. The combination of rich tomato and savory white sauces ensures a layered texture that will melt in your mouth. As the lasagna bakes, a golden cheese crust forms on top, locking in all the beautiful flavors and aromas. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The freshness of herbs like basil adds a vibrant touch, while smoked meats give an irresistible depth. Whether served on its own or with a side salad, this lasagna promises to satisfy every appetite. It’s an adaptable recipe, allowing for easy substitutions based on your dietary preferences. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also fun to prepare, making it a great cooking activity for families or friends. With clear instructions and a little patience, you’ll create a lasagna that everyone will remember.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Lasagna sheets
• 1 kg ground meat
• 3 tbsp tomato sauce
• Grated cheese
• 2 onions
• 2 carrots
• 1/2 bell pepper
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 slices smoked meat
• 2 garlic cloves
• Fresh herbs

For the White Sauce

• 2 tbsp flour
• 100 g butter
• Milk and/or cream
• Basil and/or nutmeg

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 200 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by preparing the vegetables and smoked meat. Finely chop the onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Dice the smoked meat into small pieces.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pan. Stir occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the smoked meat and continue to sauté until everything is well combined and fragrant. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Remove the mixture from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
6. In the same pan, cook the ground meat. Make sure there are no large clumps, and stir in the minced garlic for added flavor.
7. Combine the cooked ground meat with the vegetable mixture and return to low heat, letting the flavors meld together.
8. In a separate pan, begin the white sauce by melting butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux.
9. Gradually add milk and/or cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
10. Season the sauce with basil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
11. Take a large lasagna dish and begin assembling the lasagna.
12. Start by soaking the lasagna sheets in boiling water for 5-10 minutes until slightly softened.
13. Layer the base of your dish with softened lasagna sheets.
14. Spread a layer of the white sauce over the lasagna sheets followed by a layer of the meat mixture.
15. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the top.
16. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used. Aim for at least two layers of pasta.
17. Finish with a final layer of lasagna sheets, topped with remaining white sauce and cheese.
18. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
19. Place the lasagna in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
20. Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before serving to ensure the layers stay intact when sliced.

Tips

• Substitution Ideas: Use turkey or chicken instead of ground meat for a lighter version.
• Cheese Variations: Switch out regular cheese for mozzarella or parmesan for different textures.
• Herb Enhancements: Try adding oregano or thyme for a fragrant twist.

Nutrition

• Calories (per serving): 450
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 50g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with a variety of mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and flour.
• Vegan Approach: Opt for plant-based meat, dairy-free cheese, almond milk, and olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair the lasagna with a fresh green salad tossed in vinaigrette.
• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with a robust red wine such as Chianti or Merlot.

Best Places

1. Osteria Francescana - A blend of traditional and creative techniques offering remarkable lasagna experiences. Location: Via Stella, 22, 41121 Modena MO, Italy.
2. Spiaggia - Known for its hearty lasagna alongside scenic ocean views. Location: 980 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, United States.
3. Trattoria al Gatto Nero - Offers a unique touch to traditional lasagna in a picturesque setting. Location: 301 Viale Santa Margherita, Murano, Venezia VE, Italy.
4. Al Pompiere - Celebrated for its cozy atmosphere and flavorful lasagna. Location: Vicolo Regina D’eligio, 8, 01100 Viterbo VT, Italy.
5. Roscioli - This gourmet spot serves a memorable lasagna experience. Location: Via dei Giubbonari, 21/23, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
6. L'Anima - A contemporary twist on classic lasagna dishes. Location: 1 Snowden St, London EC2A 2DQ, United Kingdom.
7. Casa Lever - Known for its elegant presentation and taste. Location: 390 Park Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States.
8. Scacciapensieri - Offers hearty, satisfying lasagna in a charming environment. Location: Piazza della Libertà, Florence, Italy.
9. Ristorante Da Fiore - Combines elegance and traditional taste in their lasagna. Location: Campo Santo Stefano, 2001, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy.
10. Carnevino - Known for its fusion of Las Vegas flair and Italian tradition. Location: Palazzo Resort, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States.