Lasagna

Lasagna

4 servings
Classic homemade lasagna

Ingredients

  • fresh pasta sheets

    dried is fine too

  • parsley

    minced

  • low-moisture mozzarella cheese

    sliced thin

  • parmesan cheese

    freshly grated

  • ricotta

    drained, optional

  • beef mince
    500 g
  • onion

    minced

    1 large
  • carrot

    minced

    1
  • celery stalks

    minced

    2
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    10
  • tomato paste
    1 tbsp
  • bay leaf
    1
  • oregano
    1 tsp
  • dried basil

    or fresh

    1 tsp
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • cumin powder
    1 tsp
  • peeled tomatoes
    1 can
  • passata
    250 ml
  • stock
    400 ml
  • parsley

    minced

  • butter
    100 g
  • flour
    4 tbsp
  • milk

    adjust to get desired consistency

    3 c
  • nutmeg
    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Meat Sauce: in a pan with oil over medium-high heat, add in your beef mince and leave it to brown (don't touch it or break it up). Once browned on one side, flip and continue to let it brown on the other side then break it up with your wooden spoon. Season your mince. Add in the tomato paste and bay leaf and stir for 2 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add in the minced onion, carrot and celery, along with your spices and dried herbs and cook until the veggies are soft and translucent. Add in the passata, tin tomatoes and stock. Bring everything to a simmer, cover and let it cook for 1-2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent burning at the bottom. Season to taste

  3. 3

    Bechamel: in a pot over medium heat, melt your butter. Add in the flour and whisk it vigorously to prevent any lumps. Slowly add in the milk while continuing to whisk until you achieve your desired consistency. Add in the nutmeg and season to taste.

  4. 4

    Preheat your oven to 180C/350F.

  5. 5

    Assemble: In a baking dish, start with spreading some sauce on the bottom then add in your first layer of pasta sheet then top with a layer of meat sauce then bechamel. Repeat 2 more times. Top the whole thing with your blend of cheeses.

  6. 6

    Bake for 30 minutes then turn on your broiler and cook until the top is golden (please keep an eye on it). Top with more parsley and leave to cool for at least 10 minutes before digging in!

Lasagna

Lasagna

4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food experience? This classic homemade Lasagna recipe delivers layers of rich, savory flavors, perfect for a satisfying family meal or special gathering.

Why This Lasagna Works

This recipe shines by combining a robust beef mince sauce with a creamy béchamel, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. The careful layering of fresh pasta sheets, a hearty tomato and herb-infused meat sauce, and an abundance of cheeses ensures every bite is pure indulgence. It’s a testament to traditional lasagna, offering a depth of flavor that's truly unmatched.

What to Expect

You're in for a truly hearty and comforting dish. Imagine tender pasta sheets nestled between a deeply savory beef ragù, brightened by ingredients like minced onion, carrot, celery, and a blend of garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, and cumin. These layers are then blanketed in a rich, velvety béchamel sauce, complemented by the salty notes of Parmesan and the gooey goodness of low-moisture mozzarella. The optional drained ricotta adds another layer of creamy texture, making for a truly memorable meal.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to choose between fresh or dried pasta sheets based on your preference or pantry. If fresh basil isn't on hand for the beef sauce, dried basil works wonderfully. For those who enjoy an extra creamy touch, the ricotta cheese is an excellent addition, but it's completely optional if you prefer a simpler cheese profile. Adjust the milk in the béchamel to achieve your desired consistency—a thicker sauce holds its shape better, while a looser one adds more moisture.

Serving & Context

This Lasagna is perfect for feeding a crowd or providing a comforting main course for a cozy evening at home. It makes a fantastic centerpiece for Sunday dinner, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress with classic Italian-inspired fare. Serve it hot, allowing it to rest briefly after baking for easier slicing, alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread.

Frequently Asked Questions