If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that brings family and friends together, look no further than this classic lasagna bolognese with bechamel sauce. This recipe combines rich layers of meaty tomato sauce, creamy bechamel, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Imagine a dish where savory ground meat mingles with a robust tomato sauce, enveloped in velvety bechamel sauce. It’s like a warm embrace on a plate, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. The aroma wafting from the oven as it bakes is simply irresistible.
Hearty Layers of Flavor
This lasagna bolognese offers a delightful blend of various flavors and textures that create a satisfying dish. Each layer boasts a hearty meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and tender pasta sheets, all baked to perfection.
The rich, savory taste of the ground meat mingles with the robust tomato sauce, while the bechamel provides an indulgent creamy contrast. Every bite reveals a new dimension, leaving you craving more.
Perfecting the Meat Sauce
To create the meat sauce, start by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they turn translucent. This base enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Adding ground beef or a mix of meats contributes to a robust sauce. Combine this with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a blend of dried herbs for depth. Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened, soaking in all the flavors.
Crafting the Bechamel Sauce
The bechamel sauce adds a silky smoothness to the lasagna. Begin by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour to create a roux. Gradually incorporate milk while whisking to prevent lumps, then cook until thickened.
Finishing the sauce with grated Parmesan elevates the flavor profile, making it a perfect complement to the meat sauce. Ensure proper seasoning for a well-rounded taste that enhances the overall dish.
Assembling the Layers
When it comes time to assemble, preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce and then alternate with the pasta, bechamel, and more meat sauce.
Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of bechamel, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. This final layer will create a beautiful golden crust during baking.
Baking to Perfection
Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Baking initially with the foil helps to retain moisture and cook evenly.
After the first half of the baking time, remove the foil to allow the cheese to bubble and brown. The result is a stunningly golden top that entices anyone nearby.
Serving and Enjoying
Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool slightly before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
This dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a comforting meal that brings everyone together. One slice reveals the rich layers, promising a delightful culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Hearty Layers of Flavor
This lasagna bolognese is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The pasta sheets are layered with a hearty meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and a sprinkle of cheese, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Each bite offers a rich, savory taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. Then add the ground meat, cooking until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
- Make the Bechamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook until thickened, then stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce, then layer noodles, bechamel sauce, and more meat sauce. Repeat layers, ending with bechamel on top. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g