Lasagnette with meat sauce

Lasagnette with meat sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

In a world full of sophisticated recipes and complicated techniques, sometimes we just want a simple, comforting and delicious meal. Lasagnette with meat sauce is a perfect choice for those days when you want to enjoy the warm flavors of a rich sauce combined with the smooth texture of pasta. This recipe is easy to make and the ingredients are affordable, making it an ideal option for a family dinner or a quick meal after a long day.

A short story about lasagnette

Lasagnette, a lighter and quicker version of the classic lasagna, has deep roots in culinary tradition. The strip-shaped pasta has been used for centuries, but each culture has brought its own approach. This recipe focuses on a savory meat sauce enriched with fresh vegetables, creating a dish that combines comfort with nutrition.

Ingredients needed

- 300 g beef (preferably veal)
- 250 g lasagnette pasta
- 1 red onion
- 4-5 celery stalks
- 1 capia pepper
- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 150 ml tomato juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- Oregano and basil (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the beef into small cubes or, for a quicker process, you can use a food processor to shred the meat. It is important to have quality meat as this will influence the final taste of the sauce.

Chop the red onion into fine cubes, the celery into thin slices, and dice the capia peppers and tomatoes. Mince the garlic to release its flavors.

Step 2: Cooking the meat

Heat the olive oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This process is essential to seal in the juices and give the meat a tender texture.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables

Once the meat is cooked, add the onion, celery, capers and garlic. Mix everything well and leave the vegetables to sauté for 5 minutes until slightly soft. This step will add depth and sweetness to the sauce.

Step 4: Making the sauce

Add 1 cup of water to the pan and cover. Simmer until the water evaporates completely. Then add the tomato juice and fresh tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano and basil if desired. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until it thickens and the flavors combine harmoniously.

Step 5: Boiling the pasta

Meanwhile, cook the lasagnette pasta according to the instructions on the packet. Be sure to cook them al dente to preserve their perfect texture. Once the pasta is ready, drain and save some of the boiling water, which can be used to thin the sauce if necessary.

Step 6: Assemble and serve

In a large bowl, combine the pasta and meat sauce. Mix gently to make sure each piece of pasta is coated with sauce. If desired, you can add a little pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. This addition can add a touch of flavor and elegance.

Helpful hints

- Meat varieties: You can experiment with pork or chicken, depending on preference.
- Extra vegetables: Add grated carrots or zucchini to enrich the sauce with even more vitamins.
- Alternative sauces: Instead of tomato juice, you can use tomato paste diluted with water for a richer sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a healthy choice and will add extra fiber to your dish.

2. How can I spice up the sauce?
Add chili pepper flakes or freshly chopped chili peppers for an extra spicy kick.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and pasta in advance and combine them before serving.

Delicious combinations

Lasagnette with meat sauce pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad dressed with a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A glass of red wine or iced tea can also complement this meal.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe provides an excellent source of protein from meat, vitamins from vegetables and carbohydrates from pasta. It's a balanced meal that provides energy and essential nutrients, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.

All in all, lasagnette with meat sauce is a simple but flavorful recipe that will delight you and your loved ones. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or a casual evening, it's impossible to go wrong with this dish. So put on your apron and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal!

 Ingredients: 300g beef 250g lasagnette pasta 1 red onion 4-5 celery stalks 1 bell pepper 2 tomatoes 150ml tomato juice 2 cloves of garlic oregano and basil - optional salt and pepper 2-3 tablespoons olive oil