Lasagna Bolognese is a comforting, family-favorite dish that layers perfectly cooked pasta sheets with a rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and a generous amount of melted cheese. This classic Italian dish is a perfect balance of hearty flavors and satisfying textures, making it ideal for a special family meal or any occasion. The combination of slow-cooked Bolognese sauce and velvety béchamel creates an indulgent and flavorful experience that everyone will love.
This recipe is ideal for those who want to enjoy an authentic, homemade lasagna with the right amount of richness and flavor in every bite.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 250g (1/2 lb) ground pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
The Béchamel Sauce:
- 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 750ml (3 cups) whole milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna sheets (fresh or cooked)
- 250g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
How to prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
- Cook the meat: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Simmer the sauce: We start by adding the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, milk, oregano, and basil. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let the sauce cook uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- Make the roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste.
- Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assembling the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Layer the lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce. Spread a layer of Bolognese sauce on top, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce and cheeses on top.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Comfort food at its finest! For a simpler but equally delicious pasta, try our Fettuccine Alfredo.
Lasagna Bolognese Tips:
- Use a Meat Blend: For the best Bolognese sauce, use a combination of beef and pork for rich flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few hours to deepen the flavors.
- Fresh Pasta: Fresh lasagna noodles cook better and absorb the sauce more effectively than dried pasta.
- Bechamel Sauce: Make a creamy béchamel sauce to layer between the pasta and meat sauce for a smooth texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow it to set and slice easily.
Lasagna Bolognese Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna Bolognese: Use lentils or mushrooms as a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Chicken Lasagna Bolognese: Replace the beef and pork with ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Spicy Lasagna Bolognese: Add chili flakes or hot Italian sausage for some heat.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Cheese-Stuffed Lasagna Bolognese: Add layers of ricotta or mozzarella cheese for extra richness.
- Truffle Lasagna Bolognese: Add truffle oil or truffle salt for a luxurious touch.
This Lasagna Bolognese recipe combines rich, hearty meat sauce with creamy béchamel and a cheesy topping, perfect for a family meal. Enjoy the comforting layers of flavor with every bite!
More hearty recipes to explore:
- Mac and Cheese: Gooey and irresistible.
- Carbonara: A creamy Italian classic.
- Shrimp Scampi Linguine: A seafood delight with garlic butter.