Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish, layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This recipe brings together classic Italian flavors, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk, warmed
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
    • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
    • Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
    • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
    • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until lightly golden.
    • Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens.
    • Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
    • Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay them out on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Layer with 3 lasagna noodles, followed by more meat sauce, a layer of béchamel, a few dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella.
    • Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
  5. Bake the Lasagna:
    • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it’s simmering.
  • To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna, perfect with a side salad and some garlic bread!

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