prize winning lasagna recipe

The Best prize winning lasagna recipe

I’ve been making this prize-winning lasagna recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

The combination of tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese is a match made in heaven. My kids love helping me assemble the layers, and it’s always a fun family activity.

We like to serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This recipe is perfect for special occasions like holidays or parties, but it’s also great for a weeknight dinner.

I’ve even taken it to potlucks and family gatherings, where it’s always a hit. The best part is that it freezes beautifully, so I can make a big batch and save some for later.

The health benefits of this recipe are also a plus – the ground beef provides protein, while the ricotta cheese adds calcium. Overall, this lasagna recipe is a winner in my book.

Prize Winning Lasagna

4.7 from 1290 votes

A rich and hearty lasagna recipe that combines layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time90 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 00 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup red wine
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil

For the Cheese Filling

15 oz ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

For Assembly

9 lasagna noodles
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, cook ground beef and ground pork over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3Drain excess fat.
4Add onion and garlic, cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
6Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened slightly.
7In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
8Mix well until smooth.
Set aside.
9Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
10Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
11Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce.
12Repeat with two more layers of noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce.
13Top with a final layer of noodles and spread the remaining sauce over the top.
14Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup Parmesan cheese.
15Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
16Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
17Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
18This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. You can also add a layer of fresh spinach or kale between the noodles and cheese for extra nutrition.

This prize winning lasagna recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It is a perfect recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday feasts. It is a dish that everyone loves.

It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a holiday feast. You can store any leftover lasagna in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat the lasagna in the oven or microwave.

You can also freeze any leftover lasagna for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw the lasagna overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To serve, cut the lasagna into squares and serve with a side salad and garlic bread. I hope you enjoy this prize winning lasagna recipe as much as my family and I do. It is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a holiday feast.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Prize Winning Lasagna

What is the secret to making great lasagna?

The secret to making great lasagna is to use high-quality ingredients and to layer them in just the right way. You want to start with a flavorful meat sauce, followed by a layer of tender noodles, then a rich and creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and finally topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

How do you prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, you need to cook them al dente before assembling the lasagna. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from absorbing too much moisture from the sauce.

Can I make this recipe with gluten-free noodles?

Yes, you can make this recipe with gluten-free noodles. Just be sure to choose a brand that’s specifically labeled as ‘gluten-free’ to ensure that it meets your dietary needs.

How do you store leftover lasagna?

To store leftover lasagna, let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve it again.

Can I make this recipe with vegetarian instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can make this recipe with vegetarian instead of ground beef. Simply substitute the ground beef with your preferred vegetarian option and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

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