Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Lasagna Bolognese, a traditional Italian dish that layers tender pasta sheets with a robust meat sauce and creamy béchamel. This recipe brings together the essence of Italian cooking, offering a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1.5 pounds (680g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) dry white wine
- 28 ounces (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk, warmed
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 12-15 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente (or use no-boil noodles)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Add Milk: Pour in the whole milk and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the milk is mostly absorbed, about 5 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and adds richness.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before assembling the lasagna.
2️⃣ Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Make the Roux: Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook for about 2 minutes without letting it brown.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the warmed milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season: Stir in a pinch of ground nutmeg, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3️⃣ Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
- Layering:
- First Layer: Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Second Layer: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Third Layer: Spread a layer of Bolognese sauce over the noodles.
- Fourth Layer: Drizzle a layer of béchamel sauce over the Bolognese.
- Fifth Layer: Sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the béchamel.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering noodles, Bolognese sauce, béchamel sauce, and cheeses until you’ve used all the ingredients, ending with a layer of béchamel sauce and cheeses on top.
- Cover: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
4️⃣ Bake the Lasagna
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the lasagna is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes slicing easier.
5️⃣ Serve
- Slice and Serve: Cut the lasagna into squares and serve warm.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfecting Your Lasagna Bolognese
- Slow Cooking the Sauce: Allowing the Bolognese sauce to simmer slowly enhances the depth of flavor. If time permits, simmer it for up to 3 hours.
- Meat Choice: Using only ground beef keeps the flavor robust and traditional.
- Noodle Options: No-boil lasagna noodles save time, but ensure your sauces are slightly more liquid to hydrate the noodles during baking.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to add ricotta cheese layers for extra creaminess.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
- Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, covered, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
Conclusion
Lasagna Bolognese is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a comforting dinner, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the rewarding experience of making this classic Italian masterpiece. Buon appetito!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the sauce, or by adjusting the cheeses to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking!