This Homemade Lasagna is a hearty and flavorful dish that layers tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. The combination of fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices adds depth to the classic recipe. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this lasagna is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite. It’s easy to make and packed with rich, comforting flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
This Homemade Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that layers tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. With a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, this lasagna offers a well-balanced flavor that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of savory meat sauce and velvety béchamel makes every bite indulgent, while the mozzarella adds a satisfying gooey texture. This lasagna recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your family and guests alike!
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 200g lasagna pasta
- 3 eggs
- 50g butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 500ml milk
- 500g minced meat
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Spring onions, chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 150g tomato sauce
- 100g mozzarella, shredded
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the lasagna pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt 50g of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, and chili pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add chopped spring onions, dill, and parsley to the sauce. Mix well and remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 50g of butter over medium heat.
- Add 3 tbsp of flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add 500ml of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
- Place a layer of lasagna pasta over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the pasta, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of béchamel sauce on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
5. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
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- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and dill, if desired. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your lasagna with a side of fresh green salad, crusty garlic bread, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this comforting dish, enhancing its flavors.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill add brightness and depth to the dish. You can also add basil or oregano for extra flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Lasagna noodles continue to cook while baking, so be sure to cook them al dente to avoid them becoming too soft in the final dish.
- Layering is Key: Make sure to spread the layers evenly and not too thick. This ensures a balanced flavor throughout each bite.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to slice and serve.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Use a mixture of roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach instead of minced meat for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add extra chili flakes to the meat sauce for a spicier kick.
- Cheese Lovers’ Lasagna: Layer additional cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, or provolone between the pasta layers for a richer, cheesier lasagna.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
Nutritional Benefits
- Minced Meat: A great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for muscle building and energy production.
- Tomato Sauce: High in antioxidants like lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Cheese: A good source of calcium, protein, and essential fats, supporting bone health and overall wellness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna is a perfect balance of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey mozzarella. It’s easy to make and can be customized to fit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve. -
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the minced meat with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. -
Can I freeze lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze lasagna. Just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight and bake as directed. -
What can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or ricotta for a different flavor profile. -
How can I make the lasagna spicier?
Add extra chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the meat sauce for an added spicy kick.