Classic Italian Lasagna – Layers of Comfort

 

Introduction

Few dishes bring the comfort and satisfaction that lasagna offers. This beloved Italian dish is made with layers of pasta sheets, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. While lasagna recipes vary by region, this version stays true to tradition, combining Bolognese sauce and béchamel for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make an authentic lasagna that’s ideal for cozy family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 500 grams (1 lb) ground beef
• 250 grams (½ lb) ground pork (optional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or red wine
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, warmed
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna Assembly

• 12 lasagna sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and broth or wine. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
4. Spread a layer of Bolognese and drizzle with béchamel.
5. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of béchamel.
6. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

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Tips for Perfect Lasagna

• Let the sauce simmer slowly to develop deeper flavors.
• Use no-boil lasagna sheets to save time, but add extra sauce to keep the layers moist.
• For a richer dish, try adding a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with spinach.
• Lasagna tastes even better the next day—store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently.

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Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	20 g

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Conclusion

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a weekend treat. With its hearty layers of Bolognese, béchamel, and melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.