Classic Beef Lasagna

This classic beef lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, layered with rich and savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices in the meat sauce is perfectly complemented by the smooth, velvety béchamel sauce, making every bite a delightful experience. This lasagna is ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want a filling and hearty meal. Serve it with a side of fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Preparation Time

• Total preparation and cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Vegetable oil (as needed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 700 g minced meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• Salt (to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• Dried ground sweet paprika (to taste)
• 300 g tomato sauce

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 50 g butter
• 60 g flour
• 600 ml milk
• Salt (to taste)
• Dried ground nutmeg (to taste)

For the Lasagna:

• 200 g lasagne sheets
• 200 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • Finely chop the onion.
   • Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pan, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
   • Chop the celery stalks and tomatoes, then add them to the pan.
   • Season with salt, ground black pepper, and dried ground sweet paprika to taste.
   • Stir in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and the flavors combine.

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

   • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the flour and stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is golden.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
   • Season with salt and dried ground nutmeg to taste.
   • Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
   • In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
   • Place a layer of lasagne sheets over the meat sauce.
   • Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce.
   • Sprinkle a portion of the grated mozzarella cheese over the béchamel.
   • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of béchamel sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
   • Enjoy your delicious lasagna with a side salad or garlic bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this classic beef lasagna with a fresh green salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy layers of lasagna.
• Serve with garlic bread or a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful meat sauce and béchamel.
• You can also serve the lasagna with a simple side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

• To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce and béchamel sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
• Make sure to use quality mozzarella cheese for a gooey and stringy texture when melted.
• If you prefer a vegetarian lasagna, you can substitute the meat sauce with a mixture of roasted vegetables and ricotta cheese for a delicious plant-based option.
• To make your lasagna extra flavorful, add a few fresh basil leaves or a pinch of dried oregano to the meat sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

• Ground Beef: Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and zinc, important for muscle growth and immune function.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A great source of calcium and protein, which supports strong bones and healthy muscle function.
• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes help protect against oxidative stress and promote heart health.
• Béchamel Sauce: Made with butter, flour, and milk, it adds a rich creamy texture to the lasagna, while providing some essential fats and calcium.

Dietary Information

• This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free lasagne sheets to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian options are available by substituting the meat sauce with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant.

Storage

• Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion

This classic beef lasagna is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella, it’s a family-friendly meal that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this lasagna will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, and then bake it when ready.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese in place of mozzarella? Yes, you can use other cheeses like ricotta, provolone, or gouda for different flavor profiles.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef, though the flavor will be slightly different.

4. How do I make a vegetarian version of this lasagna? Replace the meat sauce with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini, and use ricotta or a plant-based cheese for a vegetarian alternative.

5. Can I freeze lasagna? Yes, you can freeze lasagna before or after baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly.