Name: Delicious Homemade Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-483991H58M8S
Total time: PT-483991H58M8S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200g lasagna pasta; 3 eggs; 50g butter; 3 tbsp flour; 500ml milk; 500g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix); 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 carrot, grated; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 chili pepper, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, diced; Spring onions, chopped (for garnish); Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 150g tomato sauce; 100g mozzarella, shredded; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 50g butter; 3 tbsp flour; 500ml milk; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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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:

Delicious Homemade Lasagna

Author: Emily
Total Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

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Description

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 for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.
Stir in the diced bell pepper and tomato sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the chopped spring onions, dill, and parsley, then mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt 50g of butter over medium heat.
Add 3 tbsp of flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Gradually add 500ml of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the 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 the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of béchamel sauce.

5. Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve

Let the lasagna cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill for a burst of fresh flavor.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Equipment

Microwave Oven

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Notes

Pasta Tips:
- Cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents them from becoming too soft or soggy.
- If using no-boil lasagna noodles, check the package instructions, as they may require extra moisture in the sauce.

Meat Sauce Variations:
- You can substitute the minced meat with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- For extra flavor, add red wine to the meat sauce and let it simmer for a richer taste.
Béchamel Sauce:
- Be sure to whisk the béchamel sauce constantly while adding the milk to avoid lumps. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
- For a richer béchamel sauce, you can add grated Parmesan or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Layering Tips:
- Spread each layer evenly to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
- Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the pan to prevent the noodles from sticking to the baking dish.
- Ensure that the top layer is béchamel sauce with cheese for a creamy and golden finish.
Cheese:
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melt and flavor. Pre-shredded mozzarella often has additives that can affect its melt quality.
- Consider adding layers of ricotta or Parmesan cheese between the noodles for a more complex flavor.
Resting the Lasagna:
- Let the lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Make-Ahead:
- You can prepare the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, allowing extra time if it’s chilled.
- Lasagna also freezes well! Assemble the lasagna and freeze it before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna with a simple green salad and garlic bread to complement the richness of the dish. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with lasagna.

Storage:
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to retain the crispy top layer, or microwave for a quicker option.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Variations:

If you want to make the dish lighter, try using lean ground meat, lower-fat milk for the béchamel, or a reduced-fat cheese option.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles or zucchini slices for a low-carb alternative.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6-8 people
Calories: 450-500 kcal

Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g

Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 125mg

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:

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.