Ingredients

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 package fresh mushrooms , coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning ( optional )
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
6 cups prepared marinara sauce
2 tablespoons water , plus more as needed
2 eggs
2 pounds whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 container fresh mozzarella cheese , diced
2/3 cup freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper , or to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 package lasagna noodles
1 container fresh mozzarella cheese , diced
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Lasagna is a popular Italian dish that has become a staple in many homes. It consists of wide flat noodles layered with meat, cheese, and tomato sauce. The origins of lasagna can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where flatbread was layered with cheese and herbs. In the Middle Ages, Italy adopted this dish and incorporated meat and tomato sauce. Nowadays, lasagna has many variations and is enjoyed all over the world. Chef John's Lasagna is a classic recipe that combines ground beef, Italian sausage, mushrooms, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. It is seasoned with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper for added flavor. This dish takes time, effort, and attention to detail, but the result is worth it. It is perfect for special occasions and cold winter evenings.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.Crumble the Italian sausage and ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease.
3.Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4.Pour marinara sauce and 2 tablespoons of water into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5.In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and parsley. Mix well.
6.Lay out lasagna noodles on a flat surface and spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto each noodle. Roll up each noodle and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
7.Pour the marinara sauce over the rolled lasagna noodles. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
8.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
9.Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
10.Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

PROS

Chef John’s Lasagna is rich and hearty.
It is a classic Italian dish that brings people together.
It is perfect for entertaining guests or as a family dinner main dish.

Lasagna is a versatile dish that can be customized with different types of meat, cheeses, and vegetables to people’s taste.

It can be made ahead and leftovers can be enjoyed for days.

CONS

Lasagna can be high in calories, sodium, and fat.
It might not be suitable for people who are trying to watch their weight, limit their salt intake, or manage their cholesterol levels.

Some people find making lasagna time-consuming and intimidating.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lasagna contains protein, carbohydrates, and fats that provide energy for the body. It is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which are important for bone health, immune function, and brain function, respectively.
The mushrooms in this recipe provide fiber, potassium, and copper, which are essential for digestive health, blood pressure regulation, and iron absorption, respectively.
The cayenne pepper in this recipe is rich in capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and metabolism-boosting effects.

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