Best Mamma Mia Fresh Italian Lasagne Recipes

MAMMA MIA'S LASAGNE

Steps:

• Brown meat.
• Add next 5 ingredients. Simmer uncovered 30 minutes.
• Cook noodles according to package directions.
• Drain and spread noodles out to cool on wax paper.
• Combine remaining ingredients, except Mozzarella and oil.
• Spread olive oil on bottom of 13 x 9 baking pan.
• Place half noodles in bottom, overlapping slightly.
• Spread 1/2 Ricotta on noodles, using fingers.
• Sprinkle scant half of Mozzarella over all.
• Spread 1/2 meat sauce over all.
• Repeat layers, saving a little Mozzarella for the top.
• Bake 30 minutes at 375°F.
• Let stand 10 minutes, then cut.
• May assemble early, refrigerate; then allow 15 minutes longer in oven.

CLASSIC ITALIAN LASAGNA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Bechamel sauce:
• In a 2-quart pot, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When butter has completely melted, add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to simmer and whisk over medium heat until the sauce is thick, smooth and creamy, about 10 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of wooden spoon. Remove from heat and add the nutmeg and tomato sauce. Stir until well combined and check for seasoning. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
• In a saute pan, heat extra-virgin olive oil. When almost smoking, add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Brown meat, breaking any large lumps, until it is no longer pink. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
• In a medium sized bowl, thoroughly mix the ricotta and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Into the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch baking dish, spread 1/3 of the bechamel sauce. Arrange the pasta sheets side by side, covering the bottom of the baking dish. Evenly spread a layer of all the ricotta mixture and then a layer of all the spinach. Arrange another layer of pasta sheets and spread all the ground beef on top. Sprinkle 1/2 the mozzarella cheese on top of the beef. Spread another 1/3 of the bechamel sauce. Arrange the final layer of pasta sheets and top with remaining bechamel, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into 1/4-inch cubes and top lasagna.
• Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place lasagna dish on top, cover and put on the middle rack of the oven and bake until top is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Remove cover and continue to bake for about 15 minutes.
• In a large casserole pot or Dutch over, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.
• Add 1/2 the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.
• If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6 months.

MAMMA MIA! FRESH ITALIAN MEATBALLS!

Steps:

• MINCE 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, 1 tablespoon fresh oregano and 1 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley leaves; SET aside; GRATE 1/2 cup stale or frozen sourdough breadcrumbs in a food processor or sing a hand-held grater; SET aside; GRATE (don't shred) 1/3 cup parmigiano reggiano cheese (plus more for garnish if desired) and set aside.
• PROCESS 1/2 small peeled sweet onion, approximately 1/4 red or green bell pepper, and 2-3 cloves of garlic in a food processor until minced; SAUTE mixture in one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat only until softened; ADD 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves, 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano leaves, 1 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; SAUTE until herbs are softened; REMOVE from heat and add sauteed vegetables into a large bowl.
• SPRINKLE the 1/2 cup grated breadcrumbs over sauteed vegetables; BREAK up 1 lb. fresh ground meat over breadcrumbs without mixing; ADD 1/2 cup ricotta cheese over meat without mixing.
• BEAT one egg in a small bowl with 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, remaining 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 pinch ground allspice and 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg; POUR mixture over ingredients in bowl without mixing.
• SPRINKLE 1/3 cup freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese over remaining ingredients.
• MIX meatball mixture thoroughly using hands.
• ROLL into 1 1/2 - 2 inch meatballs.
• FRY METHOD: Fry meatballs in a large skillet, between medium-low and medium heat in 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or fry between 275 F - 300 F in an electric wok or electric skillet), alternately turning and covering until browned/steamed and meat is just cooked until done, yet moist.
• STEAM METHOD: Heat a large saucepan filled halfway with marinara sauce over medium heat. Add raw meatballs, then 1/2 cup water. Cook until slightly browned on bottom, then turn meatballs using a slotted spoon. Add a little more water and continue cooking until done. Re-season sauce if necessary just to keep meatballs in before adding to spaghetti, or a meatball sandwich. Top with chopped parsley, a little olive oil, fresh ground pepper and a sprinkle of freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese.
• SERVE and say, "MAMMA MIA!"!