Classic Meat and Cheese Lasagna: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

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Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that brings families together, combining rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and layers of melted cheese in a truly irresistible dish. This traditional recipe promises a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 700 ml tomato puree (passata)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Béchamel

  • 30 g butter
  • 30 g all-purpose flour
  • 500 ml whole milk
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper

For Assembly

  • 12 pre-cooked lasagna sheets
  • 250 g shredded mozzarella
  • 150 g shredded emmental
  • 50 g grated Parmesan

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet
  • Sauté onion and garlic until translucent
  • Add ground beef, cooking and breaking it up
  • Stir in tomato paste and puree
  • Add herbs, salt, and pepper
  • Simmer for 25-30 minutes until thick and flavorful

2. Make the Béchamel Sauce

  • Melt butter in a saucepan
  • Add flour, whisking for 1 minute
  • Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly
  • Cook until sauce thickens
  • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg

3. Assemble the Lasagna

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in baking dish
  • Layer lasagna sheets
  • Add layers in this order:
    1. Meat sauce
    2. Béchamel
    3. Shredded mozzarella and emmental
  • Repeat layers three times
  • Top with remaining béchamel and all cheeses

4. Bake and Gratinate

  • Bake for 45-50 minutes
  • Look for golden, bubbling top
  • Rest 10 minutes before serving

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

  • Calories: 520-550
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g

Cooking Times

  • Preparation: 30 minutes
  • Cooking: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Expert Cooking Tips

  • Taste and adjust sauce seasoning before layering
  • For uncooked lasagna sheets, add extra sauce
  • Add a splash of cream to béchamel for extra richness
  • Let lasagna rest to help layers set

Variations and Substitutions

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour
  • Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes to meat sauce
  • Healthier Version: Use lean ground beef and low-fat cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I prepare lasagna in advance? Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking.

Q2: How do I prevent a watery lasagna? Simmer sauce to reduce liquid and don’t overload with sauce.

Q3: Can I freeze lasagna? Absolutely! Freeze for up to 3 months. Divide into portions before freezing.

Q4: What side dishes pair well? Green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in oven at 160°C for 15-20 minutes or microwave at medium power.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight container
  • Freeze: Up to 3 months
  • Recommended to portion before freezing
  • Best reheated in oven to maintain texture

Enjoy this classic lasagna that brings the warmth of Italian home cooking to your table!