Lasagna Bolognese

Treat your taste buds to the rich and comforting flavors of Italy with our Classic Lasagna Bolognese recipe! This timeless dish features layers of tender pasta, savory Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. To make the Bolognese sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
7. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top.
8. Spread a layer of Bolognese sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot.
11. Enjoy your Classic Lasagna Bolognese with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian feast!