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Traditional Italian Lasagna

A beautiful traditional Italian Lasagna

Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword gluten free lasagna, lasagna, pasta dinner
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces lasagna noodles, cooked to package instructions
  • 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
  • 10 ounces ground pork
  • 10 ounces lean ground beef
  • sea salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 28 oz can marinara sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon powdered garlic
  • 1/2- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (depending on how much of a kick you want)
  • zest of one large lemon
  • 15 ounces full fat ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 3/4" cubes (packed in water) cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 6 basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place rack in center position

  2. Place a large pot of salted water to boil, when boiling add lasagna noodles and cook to package instructions. While waiting for water to boil:

  3. Place a large pan on cooktop on high heat. Add olive oil, when oil is hot add chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently for five minutes turning down heat when necessary

  4. Add pork and beef to pan, cook until cooked through (8-10 minutes) using a spatula to break apart. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

  5. Add pasta sauce, garlic powder and red pepper flakes, turn down to a low simmer

  6. While meat simmers, zest lemon and add zest to the ricotta cheese, stir well

  7. When pasta noodles are al dente, strain in colander, rinse under cold water (we are making four layers so you need 12 noodles. Always cook more than you need because 2-3 usually break)

  8. Place three lasagna noodles flat in a ceramic baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce (approx 1 1/4 cup) onto noodles, then add 1/3 of the ricotta by spoonfuls and 1/ 3 of mozzarella onto meat sauce (It doesn't have to be perfect, estimate the best you can). Add another layer of noodles then pasta sauce (again 1 1/4 cup) then the cheeses and repeat one more time. Add the fourth layer of noodles, top with remaining meat sauce and then sprinkle with the freshly grated parmesan.

  9. Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to rest for five minutes. Garnish with basil if desired and serve.