Meat lasagna: An Italian Classic that Never Fails

The meat lasagna is an emblem of Italian cuisine that has won hearts all over the world. With its layers of pasta, juicy meat, creamy sauces and melted cheese, this dish offers a combination of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Its origin dates back to the Emilia-Romagna region, considered one of the cradles of Italian gastronomy. There, the lasagna began as a simple recipe made with homemade pasta, ragout of meat and bechamel, and with time it has evolved in to an infinity of variations. 

A curious thing about lasagna is that its name comes from the Greek “losanon”, which means “bowl”, and was adopted by the romans to refer to the dish in which they cooked this delicious preparation. In addition to its historical heritage, the lasagna also has nutritional benefits as it is a source of energy thanks to the carbohydrates, the pasta and the meat proteins. Its versatility allows it to adapt to different tastes and needs, from versions vegetarian to gluten free items. 

In this article, not only you will learn how to prepare a beef lasagna spectacular, but you'll also discover tips and facts for this classic Italian become the king of your family gatherings. 

Ingredients for the meat lasagna: 

• 500 g ground meat (could be beef, pork, or a mixture of both). 

• 9 sheets of lasagna noodles (pre-cooked or ready-to-bake). 

• 2 cups homemade tomato sauce or your favorite. 

• 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese. 

• 2 cups of bechamel sauce. 

• 50 g parmesan cheese, grated (optional). 

For homemade tomato sauce: 

• 1 kg of ripe tomatoes. 

• 2 cloves of garlic. 

• 1 onion, small. 

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 

• Salt, pepper and fresh basil to taste. 

Preparation 

Step 1: Prepare the tomato sauce, homemade 

1. Wash the tomatoes and make it a cut in the shape of a cross at the bottom. Escáldalos in boiling water for 1 minute, remove and peel.
2. Cut the tomatoes into cubes and reserve.
3. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil and cook the onion and garlic finely chopped until they are golden brown.
4. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and simmer for 20 minutes. Crushed with a blender or food processor if you want a smoother texture. Add fresh basil at the end. 

Step 2: Cook the meat 

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until golden brown. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Features homemade tomato sauce and cook for 10 minutes over low heat to blend flavors. 

Step 3: Assemble the lasagna 

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
2. In a baking dish, put a thin layer of bechamel sauce in the base.
3. Add a layer of sheets of lasagna noodles, then a layer of meat with tomato sauce, other béchamel sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
4. Repeat the process until you finish with the ingredients, making sure that the last layer is of béchamel sauce and cheese.
    
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
    
6. Let the lasagna for 10 minutes before serving. 

Nutritional information per serving (about 6 servings) 

• Calories: 450 kcal 

• Proteins: 25 g 

• Carbohydrates: 35 g 

• Fat: 20 g 

Benefits and Variations 

Benefits of the meat lasagna: 

• Balanced nutrition: Provides a combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats which makes it a plate complete and satisfying. 

• Versatility: You can adapt it to different dietary needs, such as versions are low in carbs using zucchini in place of pasta. 

• Ideal for meetings: It is a dish that you can prepare ahead of time and reheating ... without losing its flavor. 

Popular variations: 

• Vegetarian: Replace the meat with spinach, mushrooms or a mixture of vegetables. 

• Gluten-free: Use sheets of lasagna made with flour alternatives such as rice or almond. 

• Seafood: Add shrimp, squid, and a tomato sauce with a touch of white wine. 

Tips for success: 

• Let the lasagna noodles before serving so that the layers to settle and be easier to cut. 

• Uses fresh ingredients and quality, especially for sauces. 

• If you are looking for a deep flavour, prepare the meat and sauce a day before. 

Curiosities about the lasagna 

• In Italy, the lasagna is traditionally prepared with ragu alla bolognese, with a sauce that includes wine and milk to soften the flavor of the meat. 

• There is a version of lasagna sweet, which uses layers of waffles, pastry cream and fruit. 

• Lasagna is one of the dishes most sought after on the internet all over the world. 

Conclusion 

The meat lasagna is a dish; it is a culinary experience that unites families, and bringing a bit of Italy to your table. Whether you follow the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, this Italian classic never fails to delight. I dare to prepare it and surprise your loved ones with a plate that will be remembered forever! Don't forget to share this recipe and leave your comments on how it went in the kitchen. ¡Buon appetito!