lasagna bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese is a culinary gem hailing from the heart of Italy’s Bologna region. This recipe beautifully combines tender pasta sheets with a rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

What sets this lasagna apart is its simplicity. With straightforward steps, it’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special celebrations. As it bakes, its tantalizing aroma fills the kitchen, promising a truly indulgent feast.

Versatile and comforting, this lasagna is a beloved favorite worldwide. It’s a timeless classic that brings people together, offering a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to savor.

bon appetit lasagna bolognese :

Course: MainCuisine: Italian

Servings

7

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

The Ultimate Lasagna Bolognese is an Italian comfort classic, combining layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, its aromatic allure and satisfying flavors create memorable dining experiences

Ingredients

• Meat Sauce:

• 2 tbsp Olive oil

• 4 cloves Garlic, minced

• 1 Onion, finely chopped

• 1 Carrot, finely chopped

• 1 Celery rib, finely chopped

• 34 oz Ground beef (or a mix of ground pork and beef)

• 3 heaping tbsp Tomato paste

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning blend

• 1/4 cup Red wine

• 24 oz Passata or strained tomatoes

• 14 oz Crushed tomatoes

• 2 Beef or vegetable bouillon cubes

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Sugar or honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

• Bechamel Sauce:

• 4 tbsp Butter

• 1/4 cup All-purpose flour

• 3 1/2 cups Whole milk, room temperature or warmed slightly

• 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 Pinch Nutmeg or clove

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Assembly:

• 13 oz Fresh lasagna sheets

• 17 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

• 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

• For the Meat Sauce:
• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
• Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning blend, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Pour in the passata, crushed tomatoes, crumbled bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar or honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the lid and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.
• For the Bechamel Sauce:
• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
• Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
• Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of nutmeg or clove, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Assembly:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread a cup of meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
• Place a layer of fresh lasagna sheets over the sauce, trimming them to fit the dish if necessary.
• Spread a layer of meat sauce over the lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of bechamel sauce.
• Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over the sauces.
• Repeat the layers of lasagna sheets, meat sauce, bechamel sauce, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of bechamel sauce and a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
• 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 lasagna is bubbling and golden brown on top.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your ultimate lasagna bolognese!

Notes

• For optimal results, opt for fresh lasagna sheets, as they provide superior texture and taste compared to dried ones. After baking, allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing; this brief interval allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve. Don’t hesitate to personalize the recipe by incorporating your preferred herbs or additional vegetables, tailoring the dish to your taste preferences and dietary needs. These simple tips ensure that your Ultimate Lasagna Bolognese turns out perfectly every time, guaranteeing a delightful dining experience for all

Equipment Needed to make lasagna bolognese :

1. Large pot or saucepan for cooking the meat sauce
2. Saucepan for preparing the béchamel sauce
3. Whisk for stirring and combining ingredients
4. Baking dish (9×13 inches or similar size) for assembling the lasagna
5. Aluminum foil for covering the lasagna while baking
6. Oven for baking the lasagna
7. Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
8. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements
9. Spoon or spatula for spreading sauces and assembling the lasagna
10. Serving utensils for dishing out portions of the finished lasagna

Tips & Tricks to make lasagna bolognese :

Achieve lasagna perfection with a few simple tips. Firstly, opt for fresh lasagna sheets for superior texture. Allow the lasagna to rest after baking, as this makes slicing and serving easier. Additionally, customize the recipe with your favorite herbs or extra veggies for added flavor and nutrition. Lastly, for a golden-brown top, broil the lasagna for a few minutes before serving. With these tricks up your sleeve, your Ultimate Lasagna Bolognese will be a hit every time

conclusion :

In, the Ultimate Lasagna Bolognese is a timeless Italian classic that brings together layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese in a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. With its simplicity, versatility, and irresistible taste, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, promising a memorable dining experience that will leave everyone craving for more. Whether enjoyed with family or shared among friends, this comforting dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in any kitchen.

FAQs :

. Can I use dried lasagna noodles instead of fresh ones? While fresh lasagna sheets are recommended for their superior texture, you can use dried noodles. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time or follow the package instructions for pre-cooking them before assembling the lasagna.

2. How long does this lasagna keep in the refrigerator? Stored in an airtight container, leftover lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s properly reheated before serving.

3. Can I freeze the lasagna? Yes, you can freeze the lasagna for future meals. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and use a combination of mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) to create a hearty vegetarian version of the lasagna.