Filipino Style Lasagna Supreme

Lasagna, an Italian classic dating back to ancient Greece, adapted over the ages with the introduction of tomatoes in the 16th century. With its roots in a 13th-century Italian cookbook, lasagna has evolved globally, celebrated for its versatility with vegetarian and vegan versions alongside the classic meat-filled rendition. 🍝 "Filipino Style Lasagna" embodies the dynamic essence of Filipino cuisine, blending local flavors such as sweet-style spaghetti sauce, minced meat, and sometimes hot dogs. 🍝 This creative fusion illustrates the innovative approach in Filipino cooking, merging global influences with regional preferences to craft distinctive and flavorful dishes.🍝 

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 500-600 kcal

Fat: 25-30g

Saturated Fat: 12-15g

Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Sugars: 10-15g

Protein: 25-30g

Fiber: 4-6g

Cholesterol: 80-100mg

Sodium: 800-1000mg

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Additionally, the nutrition facts can change if you adjust the recipe or serving size. Be sure to check product labels and use a nutrition calculator for precise values, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.

Ingredients:

500 grams Lasagna Pasta

Water for boiling

Salt

Oil

Meat sauce:

¼ kilo Ground beef

4 cloves  Garlic (minced)

1 whole small Onion (minced)

1 pc small Bell pepper (finely chopped)

100g  Mushroom (sliced) 

2 cups Spaghetti sauce

1 tbsp Tomato paste

1 tbsp Sugar

1 pc small Carrot (finely chopped)

2 pcs Tomatoes (chopped)

½ cup shredded cheese of your choice (mozzarella, parmesan, processed)

Salt and pepper to taste

Béchamel/White sauce:

¼ cup All-purpose flour

2 tbsp Butter

2 cups Evaporated or Fresh milk

½ cup or cheese of your choice (mozzarella, parmesan, processed)

2 tsp Parsley (fresh/dried)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients:

Begin by mincing garlic and onion, finely chopping bell pepper and carrot, slicing mushrooms, and washing the ground beef. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Paste

In a pot of boiling water seasoned with salt and a dash of oil, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain, rinse under running water, and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Meat Sauce:

In a heated pan, sauté garlic and onion until aromatic. Add ground beef, and a pinch of salt, and mix until well combined. Simmer until the beef is thoroughly cooked. Then, introduce mushrooms, bell pepper, carrot, tomatoes, tomato paste, chosen spaghetti sauce(s), and parsley. Stir the mixture until well combined. Add sugar, salt, and pepper, letting it simmer to fuse the flavors. Integrate shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to your liking and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare Béchamel sauce:

Melt butter in a pan, add flour, and mix until a smooth consistency is achieved. Pour in the milk, stirring until well combined. Once simmering, incorporate shredded cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Set aside

Step 5: Assemble 

Start by layering the bottom with a portion of the meat sauce, followed by the perfectly cooked pasta. Feel free to cut the pasta to fit the dish. Add another layer of meat sauce, adjusting the quantity according to your preference. Now, introduce the béchamel sauce, using only half of what you added for the red sauce. Sprinkle some cheese. Repeat these layers until you reach your preferred height. For the final layer, make sure the meat sauce is covered with béchamel sauce and generously topped with cheese, including quick-melt cheese. Add some chopped fresh parsley.

Step 6: Baking

Preheat your oven to 175°C for 15 minutes. Bake the lasagna for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese achieves a golden brown hue.

Tips:

• Use a combination of spaghetti sauces for a unique flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese blends to enhance the dish's richness.
• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.

Serve & Enjoy! 💖