Classic Italian Lasagna

 

Here’s a detailed recipe for Classic Italian Lasagna with step-by-step instructions:

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce (Ragù Bolognese)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For Assembly

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions or no-boil)
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cook the Meat: Add ground beef and pork to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned.
3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, wine (if using), and broth.
4. Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir well.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Make a Roux: Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Slowly add the warm milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
4. Season: Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if desired).
5. Thicken the Sauce: Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top.
   • Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta, some meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
   • Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with béchamel sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
3. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Let Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Serve

• Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade Classic Italian Lasagna!