Lasagna Bolognese is a timeless Italian dish that layers rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly tender pasta sheets. This recipe captures the essence of traditional flavors, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. If you’re looking to impress with a hearty meal, this lasagna will certainly do the trick.
Imagine gathering around the dinner table, ready to dive into a bubbling dish of lasagna, with the aroma of slow-cooked meats and aromatic herbs filling the air. Each bite offers a delightful combination of savory flavors and textures that will leave your guests craving more.
Layers of Flavor: Understanding Lasagna Bolognese
Lasagna Bolognese is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of layers that blend together to create an unforgettable dish.
Each layer tells a story, starting with the rich, hearty meat sauce crafted from a combination of ground beef and pork, simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
This sauce serves as the foundation, providing depth and warmth to the lasagna.
The Creamy Béchamel Component
Complementing the meat sauce is the creamy béchamel sauce, which adds a luxurious texture to each bite.
This velvety layer, made with milk and a touch of flour, envelops the pasta and meat, creating a harmonious balance that enhances the overall experience.
When baked, the béchamel transforms, forming a golden crust that adds to the dish’s appeal.
Perfect Pasta: A Key Element
Of course, no lasagna is complete without its pasta.
The lasagna noodles, ideally cooked al dente, provide the structure that holds the layers together.
They absorb the flavors from the sauces while still maintaining a delightful bite, making each mouthful satisfying and fulfilling.
The Art of Assembly
Assembling the lasagna is an art in itself.
Starting with a layer of Bolognese sauce, the noodles are placed on top, followed by a generous scoop of béchamel.
This process is repeated until all ingredients are layered, culminating with a final topping of cheese that melts and bubbles during baking, creating an irresistible golden crust.
Baking to Perfection
Baking is where the magic happens.
Once combined in a rustic baking dish, the lasagna is covered and baked to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
After a period of covered baking, removing the foil lets the cheese reach that perfect golden state, inviting everyone to the table with its tantalizing aroma.
Serving Suggestions for a Family Feast
To serve, allow the lasagna to rest briefly after baking.
This helps maintain the layers when slicing, ensuring each piece holds together beautifully.
Pair it with a side of garlic bread and perhaps a fresh salad to create a complete dining experience that is sure to please everyone gathered around the table.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Lasagna Bolognese
This lasagna Bolognese features layers of homemade meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and al dente pasta, resulting in a satisfying dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting experience with every forkful.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups béchamel sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened. Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a layer of Bolognese sauce. Place three lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 480kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g