Lasagna with Potatoes Recipe

Here’s a delicious Lasagna with Potatoes recipe that combines the traditional layers of lasagna with the heartiness of potatoes, creating a comforting and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

For the lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles (pre-cooked or regular)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey, or a mix of both)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (to bind ricotta)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). You can use a mandolin slicer to get uniform slices.
3. Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but are not fully cooked.
4. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the meat sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the ricotta mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the lasagna

1. In a baking dish, spread a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
2. Layer lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of potato slices.
3. Add a layer of meat sauce, then spread a layer of the ricotta mixture.
4. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the lasagna

1. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• You can also add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the layers for extra flavor and texture.
• If you want a crispy top, place the lasagna under the broiler for a minute or two after baking.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat sauce with a vegetable or mushroom-based sauce.

Enjoy your Lasagna with Potatoes!