Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in the form of layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, seasoned meat, and creamy béchamel sauce. This Classic Homemade Lasagna is crafted with love and simplicity, making it the ultimate comfort food that promises satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, it’s a timeless dish that never fails to please.
With this Ultimate Comfort Delight Lasagna, experience the joy of cooking something extraordinarily simple yet incredibly flavorful. The layers of lasagna sheets, savory ground beef, and smooth béchamel are topped with golden, melted Parmesan cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. This recipe not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Lasagna sheets
- 800g tomato pulp
- 300g ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- Parmesan cheese
- 50g butter
- 50g flour
- 70cl milk
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato pulp and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce, top with lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of white sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with a white sauce top.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 2
Key Ingredients and Their Roles:
- Lasagna Sheets: The foundation of the dish, providing structure and texture that holds up to the layers of sauce and cheese.
- Tomato Pulp: Offers a robust tomato flavor that forms the base of the meat sauce, giving the lasagna its characteristic zest.
- Ground Beef: Adds richness and depth, making the lasagna filling and protein-rich.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are sautéed to begin the base of the meat sauce, infusing the dish with mellow sweetness and pungency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the layers with a savory sharpness.
- Butter, Flour, and Milk: Combine to create a creamy béchamel sauce, which adds a silky, rich layer contrasting with the tangy tomato sauce.
- Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs infuse the meat sauce with earthy and floral notes, adding complexity to the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information: This lasagna is calorically dense, providing approximately 580 kcal per serving, with a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It’s also rich in calcium from the cheese and contains several vitamins and minerals from the natural ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions: Lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, such as a Caesar or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, to add freshness and cut through the richness. For wine enthusiasts, a glass of Chianti or Merlot complements the robust flavors of the lasagna perfectly.
Preparation Tips:
- No-Boil Lasagna Sheets: For an even easier preparation, consider using no-boil lasagna sheets which remove the step of pre-cooking the pasta.
- Make Ahead: Lasagna is an excellent dish for preparing ahead of time. Assemble the dish the day before, refrigerate, and simply bake the next day. It also freezes well, either baked or unbaked, for up to three months.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for different dietary preferences. Adding layers of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can increase the nutritional content and add new flavors.
Cultural Significance: Lasagna is deeply rooted in Italian culture, often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings. Its versatility and ability to feed a crowd make it a staple dish in celebratory settings. Each region in Italy has its own variation, showing the dish’s adaptability and enduring popularity.