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.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 people
Calories 550 kcal
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
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.
Recipe Tips:
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavour.
For a richer béchamel, use full-fat milk and grated parmesan cheese.
Don't overcook the lasagna. It should be cooked through but still slightly firm.
Let the lasagna rest before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and prevent the filling from oozing out.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your traditional lasagna with a side of grilled asparagus or a simple green salad.
For a touch of elegance, serve with a crusty bread and a glass of white wine.
Pair your traditional lasagna with a side of roasted vegetables,
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