Dinner Party Lasagna

plates //wine glasses //mason jars // bowls // glass water bottles // flatware // napkins // tablecloth

Dinner Party Lasagna

1.5 Lbs of ground beef
2 Tsp of kosher salt
1 Tsp black pepper
1 Tbs of minced garlic
1 Tbs of fresh minced basil
1 Tbs of fresh minced rosemary
1 Tbs of fresh thyme
1 Tbs of dried oregano
1 Tbs of dried parsley
1 Tsp of dried crushed red pepper
1 Lb of lasagna noodles
24 Oz of tomato sauce
16 Oz of ricotta cheese
1 Egg
1.5 Lbs of grated mozzarella cheese
2 Cups of grated parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of boiling salt water to a boil. Cook noodles for 5-6 minutes. You will want them extremely al dente, just pliable enough to bend. This will allow the lasagna to hold up and not become mushy overnight. 

In a large pan sprinkle meat spices, salt and pepper over ground beef and cook on medium high heat for 10-15 minutes until browned and cooked through. 

Spread about a cup tomato on the bottom of your 9×13 pan. Arrange layer of pasta on top following by 1/2 of your pasta sauce. Sprinkle half of your minced Italian meat over sauce. Sprinkle a third of your mozzarella cheese and half of your parmesan. In a bowl mix your egg and ricotta cheese until well combined. Spread this evenly on your second layer of noodles. 

Continue your third layer the same as layer one. 

*Sub out your meat for fresh mushroom and spinach slices for vegetarian version.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The day of, bring lasagna to room temp and bake in a 350 degree oven uncovered for 40-50 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Top with fresh basil leaves.