American Lasagna

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds ground meat (beef or turkey)
• 1 pound fresh lasagna noodles
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup parmesan cheese

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including prep and assembly time)
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, cook the ground meat with the green onions, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until the meat is browned and cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the chopped spinach and mushrooms. Let this mixture cool.
4. In a lasagna dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce mixture on the bottom. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles.
5. Spread another layer of meat mixture, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat the layers, alternating between tomato sauce, noodles, meat, and cheese until all ingredients are used up. Top with parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the lasagna dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.
8. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming equal distribution among 8 people)

• Calories: Approximately 500 calories per serving (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 28g

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish is a classic American comfort food that combines the flavors of tomato, cheese, and pasta.
• The layers of ingredients create a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion.

User Comments:

1. "This lasagna was amazing! The combination of flavors was perfect and the layers were delicious."
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet it still tastes like a dish from a five-star restaurant."
3. "The parmesan cheese on top added a nice crunchy texture to the dish."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Do not overcook the lasagna, as it can become dry and tough. Check the dish frequently during baking to ensure it does not get too brown or burn.
• If using a different type of cheese, adjust the cooking time accordingly as some cheeses may need less or more time to melt properly.