Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that brings the warmth of traditional Italian cooking directly to your dining table. This homemade meat lasagna is a testament to the art of layered cooking, combining rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta into a dish that promises to become a family favorite. Each bite tells a story of carefully balanced flavors and time-honored cooking techniques.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce
- 500g ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 100ml red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Herbs: thyme, bay leaf, oregano
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 60g butter
- 60g flour
- 750ml milk
- Salt and pepper
- Pinch of grated nutmeg
Additional Ingredients
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 150g mozzarella or Gruyère cheese, grated
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
US Measurements: 1.1 lbs ground beef, 14 oz canned tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 cups milk, 5.3 oz mozzarella, 1.7 oz Parmesan Metric Measurements: 500g ground beef, 400g canned tomatoes, 30g tomato paste, 750ml milk, 150g mozzarella, 50g Parmesan
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened
- Add minced garlic, cook for 1 minute
- Add ground beef
- Cook and break up meat until golden brown
- Optional: Pour in red wine, reduce for 2-3 minutes
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste
- Season with sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30+ minutes
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan
- Add flour to create a roux
- Gradually whisk in milk
- Stir constantly until sauce thickens
- Sauce should coat the back of a spoon
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg
3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Spread thin layer of béchamel in baking dish
- Layer lasagna sheets
- Add Bolognese sauce
- Pour béchamel sauce
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan
- Repeat layers
- Finish with cheese on top
4. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with foil
- Bake 25-30 minutes
- Remove foil
- Bake additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly
- Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving
Cooking Details
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: Traditional Italian
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 500-550
- High in protein
- Good source of calcium
- Contains vegetables for added nutrition
Why This Lasagna is Extraordinary
This lasagna represents the pinnacle of comfort food, combining the deep, rich flavors of a classic Bolognese with the silky smoothness of béchamel sauce. The slow-cooked meat sauce develops complex flavors, while the layering technique ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
Pro Tips
- Use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor
- Simmer Bolognese sauce low and slow
- Let lasagna rest before serving
- Can be prepared in advance and reheated
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with full-bodied red wine
- Serve with fresh green salad
- Garnish with fresh basil
- Excellent for meal prep
Wine Pairing
- Chianti
- Sangiovese
- Barbera
Bon appétit!