Best Americas Test Kitchen Simple Cheese Lasagna Recipes

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AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN SIMPLE CHEESE LASAGNA



America's Test Kitchen Simple Cheese Lasagna image

The fresh basil is the key ingredient. Cheesy, flavorful, and delicious! I made Recipe# 483397 along with it, but if you are using regular jarred sauce you'll only need about 2 24-26 oz jars. I used regular noodles in place of no-boil. Recipe courtesy of America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.

Provided by AmyZoe

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

15 ounces ricotta cheese (1 3/4 cups)
2 1/2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated (1 1/4 cups)
1/2 cup fresh basil, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 cups tomato sauce (See America's Test Kitchen Chunky Tomato Sauce for Lasagna)
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 lb whole milk mozzarella, shredded (4 cups)

Steps:

  • Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Mix the ricotta, 1 cup of the Parmesan, the basil, egg, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
  • Spread 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Place 3 of the noodles on top of the sauce and drop 3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture down the center of each noodle, then spread it to an even thickness.
  • Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup of the mozzarella.
  • Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the sauce evenly over the cheese. Repeat this layering 2 more times.
  • For the final layer, place the 3 remaining noodles on top.
  • Spread the remaining 1 1/4 cups sauce over the noodles.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and then the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
  • Spray a large sheet of foil lightly with vegetable oil spray and cover the lasagna. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is browned and the sauce is bubbling, about 25 minutes longer.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359, Fat 23.4, SaturatedFat 13.8, Cholesterol 104.2, Sodium 1655.5, Carbohydrate 13.4, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 8.7, Protein 25.6

CHEESE AND TOMATO LASAGNA



Cheese and Tomato Lasagna image

America's Test Kitchen upgraded lasagna recipe. To make vegetarian, eliminate the anchovies. Do not use no-boil noodles for those are too thin.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     European

Time 1h50m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 24

4 ounces pecorino romano cheese (2 cups) or 4 ounces parmesan cheese, grated (2 cups)
8 ounces cottage cheese (1 cup)
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped fine
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cloves, garli minced
8 anchovy fillets, rinsed, patted dry, and minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 ounce pecorino romano cheese (1/2 cup) or 1 ounce parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup tomato paste
14 curly-edged lasagna noodles (dry packaged)
8 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded (2 cups total but divided into 4 half cups)
1/8 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup pecorino romano cheese or 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE: Whisk all ingredients in bowl until well combined; set aside.
  • FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE: Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, sugar, pepper flakes, oregano and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and anchovies and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, cheese and tomato paste; bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
  • FOR THE LASAGNA: While sauce simmers, lay noodles in 9 by 13-inch baking dish and cover with boiling water. Let noodles soak until pliable, about 15 minutes, separating noodles with tip of paring knife to prevent sticking. Place dish in sink, pour off water and run cold water over noodles. Pat noodles dry with clean dish towel; dry dish. Cut two noodles in half crosswise (short side).
  • Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Spread 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce in bottom of dish. Lay 3 noodles lengthwise in dish with ends touching 1 short side of the pan, leaving space on opposite short side. Lay 1 half noodle crosswise in empty space to create even layer of noodles. Spread half of cheese sauce over noodles, followed by 1/2 cup fontina. Repeat layering of noodles, alternating which short side gets half noodle (alternating sides will prevent lasagna from buckling). Spread 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce over second layer of noodles, followed by 1/2 cup fontina. Create third layer using 3 1/2 noodles (reversing arrangement again), remaining cheese sauce, and 1/2 cup fontina.
  • Lay remaining 3 1/2 noodles over cheese sauce. Spread remaining tomato sauce over noodles. Toss remaining 1/2 cup fontina with 1/8 teaspoon cornstarch, then sprinkle over tomato sauce, followed by Pecorino.
  • Spray sheet of aluminum foil with vegetable oil spray and cover lasagna. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove lasagna from oven and increase oven temperature to 500 degrees.
  • Remove foil from lasagna, return to oven, and continue to bake until top is lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes longer. Let lasagna cool for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with basil, cut into pieces, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 714.9, Fat 38.2, SaturatedFat 18.2, Cholesterol 107.2, Sodium 1497.6, Carbohydrate 61.3, Fiber 6, Sugar 8.3, Protein 34.2

AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN CHUNKY TOMATO SAUCE FOR LASAGNA



America's Test Kitchen Chunky Tomato Sauce for Lasagna image

This recipe was created specifically for lasagna, but it can also be used over regular pasta. I made this with America's Test Kitchen Simple Cheese Lasagna. Recipe courtesy of America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.

Provided by AmyZoe

Categories     Sauces

Time 35m

Yield 6 cups, 126 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, minced
salt
6 garlic cloves, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
28 ounces diced tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the onion and 1 teaspoon salt and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, the oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  • Simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

America's Test Kitchen is a renowned television show and cooking magazine that focuses on providing reliable and easy-to-follow recipes to its audience. One of their famous recipes that have gained popularity over the years is the simple cheese lasagna. This lasagna recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal without compromising on taste and nutrition.

Ingredients

LASAGNA NOODLES
The first and most crucial ingredient for lasagna is the noodle. The America's Test Kitchen simple cheese lasagna recipe requires 12 lasagna noodles. The noodles are boiled for approximately 10 to 12 minutes to achieve a perfect al dente texture. They are then transferred to a bowl containing ice-cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
SAUCE
The sauce is the next ingredient that gives the lasagna a unique, robust flavor. For this recipe, America's Test Kitchen recommends using 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper, all cooked together. Additionally, onion or shallot can be added for extra flavor. The sauce should be simmered on low heat for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before being set aside.
CHEESE MIXTURE
A good lasagna cannot be complete without a generous amount of cheese. For their cheese mixture, America's Test Kitchen recommends using ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley or basil, and salt and pepper. All the ingredients should be mixed together in a bowl using a spoon or spatula, forming a smooth and creamy mixture.

Preparation

Making the America's Test Kitchen simple cheese lasagna recipe is relatively easy and straightforward, even for beginners. Here are the steps: - Preheat the oven to 375°F. - Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. - In a skillet, cook the garlic and onion, if using, in a tablespoon of olive oil until fragrant. - Add the two cans of crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. - In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley or basil, salt, and pepper until well combined. - Spread two cups of the tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. - Arrange four cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. - Use half of the cheese mixture to spread evenly on top of the noodles. - Repeat the process: lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, cheese mixture, ending with four lasagna noodles. - Use the remaining tomato sauce to spread on top of the final layer of lasagna noodles. - Sprinkle more parmesan cheese on top of the tomato sauce. - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. - Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

In summary, the America's Test Kitchen simple cheese lasagna recipe is an excellent option for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal that is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins. This recipe requires only three main ingredients - lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, and cheese mixture - and is easy to make without any prior cooking experience. With a few tweaks, such as adding extra vegetables or meat, the recipe can be customized to suit individual preferences. Give it a try today and enjoy the delicious taste of this classic Italian dish.
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has become a beloved staple in households throughout the world. One of the most popular lasagna varieties is cheese lasagna, which is made with layers of noodles, tomato sauce, and cheese. While many people stick to traditional recipes, the team at America’s Test Kitchen has created a simple cheese lasagna recipe that is easy to make and incredibly delicious. In this article, we will discuss valuable tips for making America’s Test Kitchen Simple Cheese Lasagna Recipe.

Tips for Preparing the Ingredients

Before starting to make the America’s Test Kitchen Simple Cheese Lasagna Recipe, it is essential to prepare all the ingredients properly. Here are some tips for preparing the ingredients.
Cheese
One of the critical ingredients in cheese lasagna is, of course, cheese. For this recipe, you will need ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. To ensure that the cheese layers are smooth and evenly distributed, it is recommended to mix the ricotta cheese with the parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to stir the cheese mixture thoroughly to avoid any lumps. It is also important to grate the mozzarella cheese so that it melts evenly in the lasagna.
Sauce
The tomato sauce is another vital ingredient in this recipe. To make a rich and flavorful sauce, it is best to start by sautéing garlic and onion in a large pot over medium heat until they are translucent. Then add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and dried oregano, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until it thickens.
L asagna Noodles
For this recipe, you will need 12 lasagna noodles. It is essential to cook the noodles until they are al dente, which means they are firm but not too hard or too soft. To achieve this, bring a pot of boiling, salted water to a boil, and add the lasagna noodles. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes or follow the package instructions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain the water, and place the noodles in a large bowl of cold water to prevent them from sticking together.

Tips for Assembling the Lasagna

Assembling the lasagna is the most crucial step in making America’s Test Kitchen Simple Cheese Lasagna Recipe. Here are some tips to ensure that the lasagna is perfectly layered.
Preparing the Baking Dish
Before starting to layer the ingredients, you need to prepare the baking dish. It is recommended to use a 9x13 inch baking pan. Start by greasing the bottom and sides of the pan with a non-stick spray or butter. Then spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of the pan. This will prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
Layering the Ingredients
To create a beautiful and delicious lasagna, start by placing three lasagna noodles on top of the tomato sauce. Then spoon a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of tomato sauce. Repeat the layers of noodles, cheese mixture, and tomato sauce two more times, finishing with a layer of tomato sauce on top.
Baking the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F before baking the lasagna. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Serving the Lasagna

After removing the lasagna from the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Here are some tips for serving America’s Test Kitchen Simple Cheese Lasagna Recipe.
Portion Sizes
This recipe makes 12 servings, which is perfect for a large family or group of friends. To ensure that each serving is evenly portioned, use a sharp knife and cut the lasagna into 12 equal-sized pieces.
Serving Suggestions
When serving the lasagna, you can accompany it with a green salad or garlic bread. The flavor of the lasagna is enhanced by pairing it with a light, refreshing salad or crusty bread.
Leftovers
If you have any leftover lasagna, it can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to four days. When reheating the lasagna, it is best to do it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F.

Conclusion

In conclusion, America’s Test Kitchen Simple Cheese Lasagna Recipe is a simple yet delicious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. With proper ingredient preparation, layering, and serving, you can create a lasagna that is bursting with flavor and beautifully layered. We hope that these valuable tips will help you make the perfect cheese lasagna that your whole family will love.

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