Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with this irresistible Mushroom, Ham, and Cheese Lasagna – a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors and textures. Layer upon layer of creamy béchamel, savory mushrooms, tender ham, and melted cheese create a truly indulgent meal that will transport you to the heart of French countryside cooking. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this lasagna promises to become an instant classic.
Ingredients
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 50g butter
- 50g flour
- 600ml milk
- Salt and pepper
- Pinch of grated nutmeg
For the Filling
- 300g fresh button mushrooms, sliced
- 200g sliced ham, chopped
- 150g fresh mozzarella or crème fraîche
- 150g grated cheese (Emmental, Comté, or mozzarella)
- 9-12 lasagna sheets
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, basil, or thyme)
US Measurements: 1.7 oz butter, 1.7 oz flour, 2.5 cups milk, 10.5 oz mushrooms, 7 oz ham, 5.3 oz mozzarella, 5.3 oz grated cheese Metric Measurements: 50g butter, 50g flour, 600ml milk, 300g mushrooms, 200g ham, 150g mozzarella, 150g grated cheese
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
- Add flour all at once
- Whisk vigorously to form a roux
- Gradually pour in milk
- Continuously whisk to prevent lumps
- Cook until sauce thickens and becomes smooth
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg
- Set aside
2. Prepare the Mushroom and Ham Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet
- Sauté chopped onion until translucent
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms
- Season with salt and pepper
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until mushrooms are golden
- Mushrooms should release and then reabsorb their liquid
- Remove from heat
- Stir in chopped ham
3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Spread thin layer of béchamel in baking dish
- Layer lasagna sheets
- Add mushroom and ham filling
- Pour béchamel sauce
- Sprinkle grated and fresh cheese
- Repeat layers
- Finish with cheese on top
4. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with foil
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Remove foil
- Bake additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving
- Garnish with fresh herbs
Cooking Details
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: French-inspired Italian
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- High in protein
- Good source of calcium
- Contains beneficial nutrients from mushrooms
Why This Lasagna Stands Out
This lasagna is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of texture and flavor. The rich béchamel sauce, earthy mushrooms, and salty ham create a complex taste profile that elevates this dish from simple comfort food to a gourmet experience. Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and umami notes.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality mushrooms
- Don’t rush the béchamel sauce
- Let lasagna rest before serving
- Can be prepared in advance and reheated
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crisp green salad
- Serve with light white wine
- Excellent for make-ahead meals
- Freezes well for future enjoyment
Bon appétit!