Italian cuisine has a rich history and is known for its flavorful and hearty dishes. One of the most beloved and popular Italian entrees is the classic lasagna. This savory dish is made up of layers of pasta, rich meat or vegetable filling, and a creamy cheese sauce. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it is actually quite simple and can be customized to your liking. In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step recipe for a delicious Italian entree that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Italian meatballs are a classic comfort food that is loved by many. These delicious balls of meat can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, or paired with pasta and marinara sauce for a hearty meal. There are many variations of Italian meatballs, but the key to making them truly authentic is using a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal. The combination of these meats creates a tender and flavorful meatball that is sure to please.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you're a fan of big, bold flavors, then these Italian meatballs are for you. Made with a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, these meatballs are packed with savory herbs and spices. The addition of ricotta cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the meatballs, making them extra moist and flavorful. These great big Italian meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or for entertaining guests.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on delicious Italian flavors. These keto stuffed peppers are filled with a tasty mixture of Italian sausage, cauliflower rice, and marinara sauce. The peppers are then topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. These low-carb stuffed peppers are a perfect weeknight meal option that the whole family will love.
Braciole is a traditional Italian dish consisting of thin slices of meat that are rolled up with a filling and then cooked in a hearty tomato sauce. The filling can vary, but it usually includes a combination of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic. This dish may take a bit of time to prepare, but it's well worth the effort for the delicious and authentic flavors it delivers.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
There's nothing quite like the taste of homemade Italian meatballs. These meatballs are made from scratch using ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and a variety of flavorful herbs and spices. They are then cooked in a homemade marinara sauce until tender and juicy. Serve these meatballs over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
Ravioli is a classic Italian dish that consists of stuffed pasta pillows. This recipe takes ravioli to the next level by adding a creamy and flavorful Italian twist. The ravioli is filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and parmesan cheese, and then topped with a rich and creamy alfredo sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you're craving something indulgent.
This Italian chicken casserole is a delicious and easy one-dish meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The casserole consists of layers of chicken, penne pasta, and a flavorful tomato and herb sauce. The whole dish is then topped with a layer of mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
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Easy Stromboli (Italian Stromboli)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Pizza Dough, Sliced Pepperoni, Capicola, Sliced
Stromboli is a type of turnover that is filled with various Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It's a great option for a quick and easy dinner, especially when you use store-bought pizza dough. This recipe features a combination of salami, ham, provolone cheese, and pepperoncini peppers for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausages, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Marinara
This Italian sausage bake is a simple and hearty meal that is perfect for a cold winter night. The dish features Italian sausage, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions all roasted together in a garlic and herb seasoning. The result is a flavorful and comforting dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
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Traditional Italian Bolognese Sauce - Ragu' alla...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery Stalk, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
Bolognese sauce, also known as ragu, is a rich and hearty meat sauce that is a staple in Italian cuisine. This traditional recipe features a combination of ground beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, and celery, all cooked together in a delicious tomato and wine sauce. This sauce is perfect for topping your favorite pasta or for a classic lasagna.
This one-pot Italian sausage pasta is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The dish features Italian sausage, penne pasta, tomatoes, and spinach, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. The pasta is then topped with parmesan cheese for an extra boost of flavor. This dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
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Italian Calzone
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Garlic Cloves, Baby
Calzones are another type of Italian turnover that are filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables. This recipe features a combination of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese all stuffed inside a homemade pizza dough. The calzones are then baked until golden and crispy, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Baked Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
These baked Italian meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional fried meatballs. They are made with a combination of ground beef and ground turkey, and are baked in the oven instead of fried in oil. The meatballs are then topped with a flavorful marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a truly authentic Italian meatball experience, this recipe is a must-try. These meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal, and are seasoned with traditional Italian herbs and spices. The meatballs are then cooked in a delicious marinara sauce until tender and flavorful. Serve with your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal.
Originating in Chicago, the Italian beef sandwich is a beloved sandwich that is packed with flavor. This recipe features thinly sliced beef that is cooked in a savory and tangy au jus, and then served on a crusty Italian roll. For an extra kick of flavor, top the sandwich with giardiniera, a spicy pickled vegetable mix that is a favorite in Chicago.
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Italian Style Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano, Garlic
These Italian style breaded chicken cutlets are a delicious and easy weeknight meal. The chicken breasts are coated in a breadcrumb and parmesan cheese mixture and then baked until crispy and golden. Serve with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a complete Italian meal.
This Italian crescent casserole is a fun and tasty twist on traditional lasagna. The dish features layers of crescent roll dough, ground beef, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, all baked together until bubbly and golden. This casserole is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
If you're following a keto diet, these Italian meatballs are a must-try. They are made with a combination of ground beef, ground pork, and parmesan cheese, and are seasoned with traditional Italian herbs and spices. These meatballs are perfect for pairing with zoodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb and delicious meal.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
This sheet pan Italian chicken dinner is a simple and flavorful meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup. The chicken breasts are marinated in a lemon and herb dressing and then baked with potatoes and green beans until tender and juicy. This one-pan meal is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a delicious and healthy dinner without a lot of effort.
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Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large Carrots, Celery
This Italian beef and vegetable soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. The soup features tender pieces of beef, vegetables, and tomatoes, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
The Perfect Lasagna Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Italian Entree
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound lasagna noodles
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and chopped parsley.
To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of the meat sauce on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Italian entree with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.
This lasagna recipe is a classic Italian entree that is sure to please any crowd. The layers of flavorful meat sauce and creamy cheese make for a comforting and satisfying meal. The addition of herbs and spices gives the dish an authentic Italian taste. For a twist on this traditional recipe, try using ground turkey or adding in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. This versatile dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this lasagna your own.
In conclusion, this delicious lasagna recipe is a must-try for any Italian food lover. It is a professional and well-organized introduction to this iconic Italian entree. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're craving some Italian comfort food, give this recipe a try and savor the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen.
