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Introduction
Lasagna is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This Dutch Oven Lasagna recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian favorite, ensuring even cooking and enhancing flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this lasagna is rich, hearty, and guaranteed to be a hit for special occasions or any family meal.
Ingredients
500 grams ground beef
200 grams Italian sausage, casing removed
1 onion, chopped (approximately 150 grams)
3 cloves garlic, minced
800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
150 grams tomato paste
60 ml red wine
30 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
10 grams dried oregano
5 grams salt
3 grams black pepper
250 grams ricotta cheese
125 grams mozzarella cheese, grated
125 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
275 grams lasagna noodles, uncooked
30 ml olive oil
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Brown Meat
Increase the heat to medium-high and add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until fully browned, breaking apart the meat with a spoon.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Season Sauce
Mix in chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Set aside.
Step 7: Layer Ingredients
In the Dutch oven, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture. Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking as needed to fit.
Step 8: Add Ricotta Layer
Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce.
Step 9: Repeat Layers
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce.
Step 10: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 11: Bake
Cover the Dutch oven and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 12: Cool Before Serving
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Cooking Time
Total cooking time is 1 hour, with an additional prep time of 20 minutes.
Note 2: Portion Size
The recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Note 3: Customizations
Feel free to add additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Note 4: Storage
Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerating
Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Dutch Oven Lasagna Delight with a fresh garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Garlic bread on the side complements the dish perfectly, adding a delicious crunch. For a beverage pairing, consider serving red wine or sparkling water with lemon to balance the richness of the lasagna.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 1/6 of the recipe):
– Calories: 580
– Protein: 35g
– Total Fat: 30g
– Saturated Fat: 14g
– Carbohydrates: 46g
– Dietary Fiber: 4g
– Sugars: 6g
– Sodium: 720mg
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version, replace half of the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or lentils. You can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lower-fat alternative. If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used, adjusting the quantity to taste. Lastly, gluten-free lasagna noodles can replace regular ones for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. For this recipe, sauté the onion and garlic to bring out their flavors before adding the meat.
Simmering
Simmering is the process of cooking gently in liquid just below boiling. Simmer the meat sauce to help the flavors meld together and reduce the acidity from the tomatoes.
Layering
Layering is essential in making lasagna. Alternate between meat sauce, ricotta, noodles, and cheese to create a balanced dish with distinct layers.
Baking
Baking involves cooking food using dry heat in an oven. The lasagna is covered and baked to allow the noodles to soften and flavors to develop, and then uncovered to brown the cheese.
Cooling
Letting the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving allows it to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat in this lasagna?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or Italian sausage with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives.
Can I make the lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add additional baking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream as alternatives.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Yes, lasagna freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
What kind of red wine should I use in the recipe?
A dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well. However, you can also use a non-alcoholic option by substituting with beef broth.
Conclusion
The Dutch Oven Lasagna Delight is a wonderful way to enjoy a beloved classic while taking advantage of the even cooking and rich flavors that a Dutch oven provides. This dish not only brings warmth and comfort but is also perfect for gathering with family and friends. With layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese, each bite is a satisfaction that is sure to please everyone around the table. It’s an ideal meal for special occasions or simply a cozy night in.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Dutch Oven Lasagna
Swap the meat for a mix of sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Mexican Lasagna
Incorporate layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and salsa, topped with a blend of cheeses for a Tex-Mex twist.
Seafood Lasagna
Use shrimp, crab, and a creamy white sauce in place of the traditional tomato sauce for a luxurious seafood version.
Breakfast Lasagna
Layer cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheese between noodles for a fun and savory brunch option.
Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna
Combine spinach, artichoke hearts, and a creamy sauce for a flavorful and unique take on lasagna.
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Mix shredded buffalo chicken with cream cheese and mozzarella for a spicy and tangy dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Caprese Lasagna
Utilize fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a fresh and vibrant summer meal.
