Kittencals Meatball Lasagna Food

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN TOMATO PASTA SAUCE AND PARMESAN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Prepare the meatball recipe as directed on the recipe; transfer to a plate cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use (the meatballs may be prepared up to 1 day in advance).
• Drain the diced tomatoes over a strainer.
• Coat bottom of large heavy-bottomed pot with olive oil, heat over medium heat.
• Saute onion with bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper and crushed chili peppers for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions are transparent.
• Add in fresh garlic; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste;mix and stir for about 2 minutes or until well combined with the onion mixture.
• Add in the wine; stir well to combine.
• Add the 2 cans crushed tomatoes (can use 3 cans if you are freezing some sauce) and the drained diced tomatoes, stir and bring to a light boil; boil for 5-8 minutes then reduce heat to low.
• Add in uncooked meatballs to the sauce (if you are adding the meatballs uncooked do not stir for 30 minutes or you may run the risk of them falling apart in the simmering sauce).
• Simmer uncovered on low heat for about 3-5 hours (the longer you simmer uncovered the thicker and richer your sauce will be so don't be afraid to simmer even 6 hours!) adding more salt if desired.
• Skim off any fat that might gather on top of sauce.
• Allow to cool to room temperature then refrigerate (with the meatballs in the sauce) a minimum of 1 day or up to 4 days before using.
• Use as much as desired then freeze the rest for another meal, just reheat the sauce on top of the stove or heat in microwave (this will freeze well for up to 6 months).
• Note: if desired, you can bake the meatballs in the oven before adding to the sauce.

KITTENCAL'S MEATBALL SANDWICH

Steps:

• For the meatballs; in a large bowl mix all ingredients together using clean hands (adding in a small amount more breadcrumbs only if needed to hold the mixture together).
• Shape into 15 meatballs then place on a baking sheet.
• Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until the meatballs are completely cooked through.
• Meanwhile using a serrated knife slice the baguette in half lenghwise and remove some of the bread from the inside to make a "pocket" to hold the meatballs inches.
• In a small bowl mix the soft butter with garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt, spread over the inside slices of both breads, then sprinkle with black pepper to taste.
• Place the bread inside the oven the last 4-5 minutes of the meatball baking time and bake until the bread is lightly toasted.
• In a medium saucepan warm the pasta sauce over medium heat.
• When the meatballs are cooked add them into the sauce and toss to coat.
• Spoon the sauce and meatballs over one slice of toasted baguette bread, then top with mozzarella cheese slices.
• Top with the other half of baguette slice.
• Cut into servings.

KITTENCAL'S SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALL CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
• Prepare your own favorite meatball recipe, then shape into about 1-1/2-inch balls.
• Place the meatballs onto a greased baking sheet and bake until thoroughly cooked (about 22-25 minutes at 375 degrees) set the meatballs aside.
• Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water until just al dente; drain then place into a large bowl.
• Toss the spaghetti with 3 tablespoons oil; cool slightly, then add in eggs, 1-1/2 cups mozzeralla cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper; using clean hands toss until thoroughly combined (you can use a spoon but hands are better!).
• Place the spaghetti into prepared baking dish, then press down slightly with hands.
• Scatter the cooked meatballs over the spaghetti.
• Top with spaghetti sauce over the top making certain to cover the pasta completely.
• Cover with foil and bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
• Remove from oven then sprinkle about 1-1/2 cups mozzeralla cheese (or amount desired) over the top, then return to oven uncovered for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

KITTENCAL'S EASY LASAGNA

Steps:

• Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
• In a skillet cook the ground beef with onion until no longer pink; drain fat.
• Add in garlic (if using) and continue to cook until the meat is slightly browned (about 8 minutes).
• Add in pasta sauce; bring to a simmer over medium heat stirring.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or even a little longer stirring occasionally, and seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking time (if you are making ahead cool to room temperature cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, heat the sauce on top of the stove or in the microwave until hot before using for the lasagna).
• Meanwhile in a bowl mix all the filling ingredients together until well combined (taste the mixture and if so desired you may add in more seasoned salt and black pepper to suit taste).
• TO ASSEMBLE; spread 1/3 meat sauce into the bottom of the dish, then place 3 uncooked noodles lengthwise on the sauce (if desired you may use another noodle at the end of the dish facing across but you will need to snap off a bit of the end to fit in the dish).
• Dollup then spread half the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles leaving about 1-inch space from the edge of the dish (the cheese mixture does not have to cover the noodles completely).
• Repeat with 3 noodles, remaining cheese mixture, then 1/3 of the meat sauce.
• Top with remaining 3 noodles then remaining 1/3 meat sauce.
• Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top then 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Using a small spoon drizzle the water all around the edges of the pan at the same time slightly pushing the edges of the lasagna inwards to make room for the water.
• Place onto a baking sheet to prevent any spills (your pan will be very full).
• Set oven to 350 degrees F (oven rack set to bottom position).
• Cover tightly with a double layer of foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Allow to stand for 20 minutes before serving.

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
• Shape into small meatballs (at this point you can place on a jelly-roll/baking sheet and freeze to use later, or cover with plastic wrap refrigerate up to 24 hours before using).
• Drop the meatballs into simmering pasta sauce, do not stir for at least 20 minutes or you will risk breaking the meatballs.
• Continue cooking in the simmering sauce for another 20 minutes (depending on how fast your sauce is simmering 40 minutes total should fully cook the meatballs).
• After the 40 minutes cooking time continue cooking your sauce with the meatballs in for as long as desired.
• **note** you may also bake the meatballs at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

VEG-PACKED MEATBALL LASAGNE

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion and mushrooms with a pinch of salt for 10 mins until soft. Put in a bowl and leave to cool. Add the mince, egg, parmesan, garlic and breadcrumbs, season and mix well with your hands. Roll into 25 small meatballs. Heat another 1 tbsp oil in the pan and fry the meatballs for 5 mins until browned (you'll need to do this in batches). Put on a plate and set aside.
• To make the tomato sauce, heat the remaining oil in the pan and fry the garlic, courgettes, carrots and celery for 10-15 mins until softened, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it sticking. Stir in the thyme, passata, stock and vinegar and simmer for 20 mins until thickened. Blitz with a hand blender if you prefer a smooth sauce. Season well.
• To make the white sauce, heat the butter in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to make a paste. Slowly add the milk, stirring, then the bay leaves (if using) and cook for a few minutes until thick. Season, add the cauliflower and simmer for 1 min.
• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Stir the meatballs into the tomato sauce and spoon half into a lasagne dish. Top with half of the pasta sheets, then spoon over half of the white sauce and some mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining meatballs and sauces, then scatter over the rest of the mozzarella and the extra parmesan. Bake for 1 hr until golden.

QUICK MEATBALL LASAGNA

Steps:

• Slice thawed meatballs in half.
• Set aside.
• Spray 13 x 9 baking dish with oil spray.
• Spread 1 cup sauce evenly in bottom of dish.
• Place 3 uncooked noodles over sauce.
• Set aside.
• Place egg in 1-quart bowl and beat with whisk.
• Add ricotta cheese to egg and stir well to blend.
• Dollop half of ricotta mixture evenly over noodles.
• Top ricotta with half of the meatballs.
• Pour 1 1/2 cups sauce over meatballs and place 3 more uncooked noodles over them.
• Pour 1 1/2 cups of sauce over meatballs.
• Place 3 more noodles over meatballs and pour remaining sauce (about 2 cups) evenly on top, spreading evenly.
• Make sure all noodles are well coated with sauce.
• Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with oil spray, and cover lasagna tightly, oil side down.
• Bake 1 hour at 350ºF.
• Remove dish from oven, uncover.
• Spoon some sauce from edges over exposed top noodles.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over top.
• Turn oven OFF and place dish, uncovered, in oven for 15 minutes more.
• Serve at once or remove lasana from oven and let rest (up to 15 minutes) until ready to serve.

KITTENCAL'S GREEK LAMB AND FETA MEATBALLS (KEFTEDAKIA)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together, all ingredients including the 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours or up to 48 hours.
• Shape into 16 meatballs, and place on a baking sheet.
• Set oven to 350 degrees F.
• Bake for about for 20-25 minutes or until meat is cooked.

KITTENCAL'S FOUR CHEESE LASAGNA

Steps:

• Prepare this sauce a day ahead.
• For the MEAT SAUCE; in a large heavy pot cook the sausage meat with crushed chili flakes and onion until the meat is lightly browned breaking up the meat while cooking; drain any fat from the sausage meat.
• Add in garlic, basil and oregano; cook stirring for about 3 minutes.
• Add in tomato paste; cook stirring with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes.
• Add in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, 1 tablespoon salt, black pepper and 1 tablespoon sugar; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours stirring occasionally and adjusting the salt and sugar to taste.
• Cool sauce to room temperature and refrigerate overnight or up to 5 days.
• For the CHEESE FILLING; heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add in onion with dried Italian seasoning and saute until just lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes (adding in the fresh garlic after the last 2 minutes (do not brown the garlic).
• To the bowl add in ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, soft cream cheese, eggs, seasoned salt and black pepper; mix well to combine (at this point you may cover and refrigerate for 24 hours).
• In a large pot of boiling salted water cook the lasagna noodles until they are just al dente (do not over cook the noodles as they will cook more in the oven, cooking time for the noodles should be a little less time than stated on the box).
• Carefully remove the noodles then place into a large bowl of very cold water, shake off any excess water before layering in the dish.
• Grease a large pan with high sides or a lasagna pan.
• TO ASSEMBLE; spread about 2-1/2 to 3 cups meat sauce evenly to cover the bottom of the pan (I just use 2 ladles full it will depend on the size pan that you use).
• Over the meat sauce, going lengthwise down the dish arrange 6 noodles overlapping slightly, then place 2 noodles at the end of the dish going the other way cutting off one end to fit in the dish.
• Spread HALF of the ricotta mixture over the noodles (the ricotta does not have to cover completely, it will depend on how large your pan is).
• Top the ricotta with a THIRD of the mozzarella slices, then spoon about 3 cups sauce over the slices.
• Repeat the layers using 8 noodles, remaining HALF of ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese slices and 3 cups sauce on the top of the cheese slices (do not add on the remaining mozzarella cheese until the end of baking).
• If your pan is very full then I advise to place onto a large baking sheet to catch any spills.
• Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 1-1/2 hours or until the ricotta cheese mixture is set and firm and the lasagna is bubbling hot.
• Remove from oven and top with remaining mozzarella slices then 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; return to oven and bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbly (about 8 minutes).
• For easier slicing allow the lasagna to sit for about at 30 minutes even more.

BAKED MEATBALL LASAGNA

Steps:

• Meatballs:.
• In med bowl, combine the first ten ingredients; toss lightly to mix well. With teaspoon, shape mixture into 30 balls, each 3/4 inch in diameter.
• Sauce:.
• In hot oil in large, heavy skillet, brown meatballs; remove. Add the rest of the onions and garlic; saute 5 minutes.
• Add rest of sauce ingredients, with 1/2 c water and meatballs; stir to mix. Bring to boiling; reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Heat oven to 350°F Grease a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Cook lasagna as label directs. Drain; rinse in water.
• In a baking dish, layer half the ingredients: Lasagna, mozzarella, ricotta, tomato sauce with meatballs, parmesan cheese. Repeat. Bake 30-35 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

THREE-CHEESE MEATBALL LASAGNE

Steps:

• Squeeze the meat from the sausages and roll into meatballs - you'll get about four balls from each sausage. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wide, deep frying pan or casserole dish. Cook the meatballs in batches, making sure you don't overcrowd the pan, until they're all golden brown. Put them aside on a plate when they're ready.
• Heat the rest of the oil in the pan and add the onion. Cook for 8-10 mins until soft, then stir in the garlic, fennel, oregano and chilli, if using. Stir around for a min or 2, then add the sugar, passata and tomatoes. Swish a little water around the containers to wash out all the tomatoes and add to the pan. Season well and simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 mins over a gentle heat until the sauce thickens and the chopped tomatoes break down.
• Heat the butter in a saucepan, add the bay leaves and let them sizzle in the butter for 1 min, then add the flour. Whisk to make a smooth paste, then add the milk, a little at a time, stirring continuously until it's all incorporated and you have a thick white sauce. Add the nutmeg and some seasoning. Leave over a low heat for 5 mins to allow the bay to infuse, whisking every now and then.
• Keep about 10 meatballs aside and add the rest to the tomato sauce. Spoon half the tomato sauce and meatballs into a baking dish (ours was 25cm x 35cm). Top with half the spinach, the basil and a little parmesan. Pour over about a third of the white sauce, and top with a layer of lasagne sheets, breaking them up to fit the dish if you need to.
• Repeat the layers once more; meatballs and sauce, spinach, basil, parmesan, white sauce, pasta. Pour the remaining white sauce over the lasagne, spreading it to the corners to cover the pasta. Dot with the meatballs you set aside earlier and the mozzarella, then scatter over a generous helping of parmesan and cheddar. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Or if not eating straight away, chill for up to 24 hrs or freeze for two months (defrost in the fridge overnight before cooking).
• Bake the lasagne for 40-50 mins until bubbling and golden with lots of crusty cheesy bits around the edges. Leave to sit for 5-10 mins before serving.