This classic lasagna recipe features layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Preparation Time:
- Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep: 30 minutes
- Cook: 1 hour
Ingredients:
Lasagna:
- 200g lasagne sheets
- 50g butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 500ml milk
- 250g tomatoes, diced
- 500g minced meat
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Herbal mixture (such as Italian seasoning), to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped red onion, grated carrot, diced red pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and your herbal mixture.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 50g of butter over medium heat.
- Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and a pinch of black pepper.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of lasagne sheets over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the meat sauce over the lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the béchamel sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce topped with mozzarella cheese.
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 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a glass of red wine for an elegant touch.
Cooking Tips:
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set.
- Use fresh lasagne sheets for a more tender texture, if available.
Nutritional Benefits:
- This lasagna provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
- Adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe contains dairy, gluten, and meat. For a vegetarian version, replace the minced meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagne sheets and flour.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- This lasagna is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and makes great leftovers.
- The combination of the meat sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella creates an irresistible dish.
Conclusion:
Classic Lasagna is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for the best experience!