Lasagna is the ultimate comfort dish, bringing together layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly melted cheese. This recipe is a classic take on the beloved Italian favorite, baked to perfection and full of bold flavors. The tender pasta sheets absorb all the deliciousness, while the golden-brown cheese crust on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or looking for a show-stopping meal for guests, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of textures and flavors that make this dish a true classic. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for the ultimate Italian dining experience!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk, warmed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrot until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Arrange lasagna sheets over the sauce. Layer with meat sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings