Layers of comfort in every bite!
⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes | 👨🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour | 🍽 Serves: 8-10
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 lb (450g) lasagne noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Make meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown ground beef and sausage, breaking into small pieces. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, sugar, wine, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make béchamel: In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened (about 8 minutes). Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
- Cook noodles: Boil lasagne noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on oiled surface.
- Assemble lasagne: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 baking dish. Layer: noodles, meat sauce, dollops of ricotta, béchamel, mozzarella, Parmesan. Repeat 3-4 times, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, bake another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let rest 15 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh basil.
Chef’s Tips:
- Make ahead! Assemble the night before and refrigerate
- Freeze individual portions for easy weeknight meals
- Let it rest—this helps the layers set and makes serving easier
- Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor
Why It’s a Classic:
Lasagne is the ultimate comfort food that brings families together. Each layer tells a story of Italian tradition, and the bubbling cheese on top is simply irresistible!
Nutritional Highlights: High in protein, rich in calcium, satisfying one-dish meal