Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Delicious Homemade Lasagna

  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Description

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!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Lasagna:

  • 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

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 50g butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 500ml milk
  • Salt and 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 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

Notes

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://www.greenku.com/delicious-homemade-lasagna/