Ultimate Lasagna

An Italian Feast of Meat, Pasta, and Five Cheeses

© Holly Beth Anderle

Nov 1, 2009

There is nothing more satisfyingly decadent than a delicious, homemade lasagna. Oozing with cheese, bubbling sauce and hiding a rich layer of seasoned ricotta cheese, this Ultimate Lasagna will quickly become a family favorite. Bring to pot lucks for an instant winner. Or host an Italian night for your family and friends with this delectable main dish as the star. In any setting you choose, this lasagna will never let you down.

Ultimate Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 2 28-ounce cans crushed or diced tomatoes
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 2 tbsp parsley, rough chopped
• 2 tbsp basil, plus 1 tsp, rough chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 package lasagna noodles
• 16-ounce container ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2/3 cup shredded colby jack cheese
• 1 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chives
• 1 extra large egg, beaten
• 1 lb bag of shredded mozarella

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat until onions are clear.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add ground beef and break up. Cook, stirring only occasionally, until beef is well-browned and well-broken up.
5. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tbsp parsley, 2 tbsp basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer 15-20 minutes until sauce is thickened.
7. While sauce is simmering, fill a cake pan or long casserole dish with the hottest possible tap water.
8. Lay the lasagna noodles in pan and let soak for 20 minutes. Drain noodles.
9. While sauce is simmering and noodles are soaking, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup of the colby jack cheese, 1 cup of the parmesan, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp chives. Set aside.
10. Ladle 1/3 of the sauce into a 9x13x2 inch heavy casserole dish or lasagna pan and spread evenly over the bottom of the pan.
11. Layer 1/2 of the lasagna noodles, overlapping them approximately 1/4 inch.
12. Top noodles with 1/2 the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading evenly over noodles.
13. Top with 1/2 the mozzarella cheese.
14. Spread another 1/3 of the sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
15. Top with remaining lasagna noodles, again overlapping them 1/4 inch.
16. Top with remaining ricotta mix, spreading evenly over noodles.
17. Top with remaining mozzarella, reserving 1/4 cup for topping.
18. Drizzle with remaining sauce.
19. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese.
20. Bake for 25 minutes until sauce is bubbling.
21. Remove from oven; sprinkle with 1/4 colby jack and 1/4 cup mozzarella.
22. Return to oven and bake 5 more minutes.
23. Remove from oven and and let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Pair this lasagna with a crusty loaf of Italian bread, a fresh green salad, and a full-bodied Italian red table wine, such as Carlo Rossi Paisano.

Lasagna

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