Lasagna Cake

Lasagna Cake

Ingredients:

**For the Meat Sauce:**
– 1 pound (450g) ground beef
– 1/2 pound (225g) ground Italian sausage (optional)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

**For the Cheese Mixture:**
– 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

**For Assembly:**
– 12-15 lasagna noodles
– 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Meat Sauce:**
– In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage (if using), and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
– Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the fresh parsley towards the end of cooking.

2. **Cook the Lasagna Noodles:**
– While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

3. **Prepare the Cheese Mixture:**
– In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and fresh parsley. Mix well and set aside.

4. **Assemble the Lasagna Cake:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Grease a round springform pan (typically 9 inches in diameter) to assemble the lasagna.
– Start with a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
– Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
– Add a layer of the meat sauce over the ricotta.
– Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
– Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, until all ingredients are used up. Finish with a layer of noodles on top.
– Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

5. **Bake the Lasagna:**
– Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
– Let the lasagna cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before removing the springform pan sides. This will help the lasagna hold its shape when sliced.

6. **Serve:**
– Slice the lasagna like a cake and serve hot. Enjoy your Lasagna Cake!

This Lasagna Cake is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, offering a beautiful presentation and classic flavors. Enjoy!