Chinese American Style Beef Lasagna

Ingredients

In this Chinese American adaptation of the traditional Italian Lasagne alla ferrarese, we incorporate Chinese flavors and ingredients to create a unique fusion dish. The original recipe is modified by using Chinese spices such as ginger and soy sauce, and by adding a layer of melted cheese on top for a more indulgent experience. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne alla ferrarese, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, grated 1 carrot, grated
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 9 lasagna sheets 9 lasagna sheets
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, dried oregano, and Chinese five-spice powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, cook the lasagna sheets according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. 7.
   In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef sauce. Place three lasagna sheets on top, followed by another layer of the beef sauce. Repeat this process until all the lasagna sheets and beef sauce are used, finishing with a layer of beef sauce on top.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of beef sauce.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter variation.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef sauce.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Chinese five-spice powder.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to slice and serve.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese American Style Beef Lasagna hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. Accompany it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

To present the Chinese American Style Beef Lasagna, carefully slice it into individual portions, ensuring the layers are visible. Arrange the slices on a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle some additional shredded mozzarella cheese and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an appealing presentation.