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Master the Classic: Authentic Lasagna

A Slice of Heaven: Traditional Lasagna.
Lasagna, a layered masterpiece of Italian cuisine, is a dish that transcends cultures and generations.

Imagine tender pasta sheets cradling a hearty meat ragù, enveloped in a luxurious béchamel sauce, and crowned with a symphony of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Each bite is an explosion of flavour and texture, a true testament to culinary comfort.

Lasagna, when sliced, reveals its beauty.
Each golden-brown layer unfolds to showcase the rich red meat sauce, the creamy white béchamel, and pockets of melted cheese stretching between the pasta sheets.
Finished with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Traditional lasagna plated with salad and breadsticks

Traditional Lasagna Recipe

Create a classic Italian dish with this traditional lasagna recipe. Layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and delicious seasonings come together in this comforting and satisfying meal.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 people
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish approximately 33x23x5cm (9x13x2 inches)
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Spoon

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 500 g beef mince
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 800 g crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup 250ml red wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 50 g butter
  • 50 g all-purpose flour
  • 800 ml milk
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Assembly:

  • 350 g lasagna sheets no pre-cooking required
  • 250 g ricotta cheese
  • 250 g mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 50 g parmesan cheese grated

Instructions
 

Make the Meat Sauce:

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Increase heat and add ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), tomato paste, beef stock/bouillon cube, bay leaf, and thyme.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  • Remove bay leaf and thyme before serving.

Make the Béchamel Sauce:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in milk, a little at a time, until smooth and thickened.
  • Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
  • Arrange a single layer of lasagna sheets, breaking them to fit if necessary.
  • Top with meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
  • Repeat the layering process, ending with a layer of lasagna sheets covered in béchamel sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Recipe Tips:
  1. Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavour.
  2. For a richer béchamel, use full-fat milk and grated parmesan cheese.
  3. Don't overcook the lasagna. It should be cooked through but still slightly firm.
  4. Let the lasagna rest before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and prevent the filling from oozing out.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Pair your traditional lasagna with a side of grilled asparagus or a simple green salad.
  2. For a touch of elegance, serve with a crusty bread and a glass of white wine.
  3. Pair your traditional lasagna with a side of roasted vegetables,
  4. Crusty breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion:

This traditional lasagna recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich flavours and satisfying layers, it's a dish that will warm your heart and leave you wanting more.
Keyword traditional lasagna recipe

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