Grandmas Sunday Lasagna But Better

Grandmas Sunday Lasagna But Better

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef (minced beef)
• 250g (0.55 lbs) ground pork (minced pork)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 120ml (1/2 cup) dry red wine (like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 800g (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 400g (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 500g (1.1 lbs) fresh lasagna sheets (or dried, pre-cooked lasagna noodles)
• 500g (1.1 lbs) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 500g (1.1 lbs) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions:

• Sauté aromatics (onion, carrot, celery) in olive oil until softened.
• Brown ground beef and pork, breaking up clumps.
• Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and bay leaf.
• Season with salt and pepper; simmer for at least 1 hour, or longer for deeper flavour.
• Remove bay leaf; stir in parsley.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
• Gradually whisk in warm milk, ensuring no lumps form.
• Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese (optional).
• In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and basil.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Top with a layer of lasagna sheets, overlapping if necessary.
• Spread a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of Bolognese sauce, and a drizzle of béchamel.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat layers, ending with a final layer of lasagna sheets topped with Bolognese, béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550-650

Fat:30-40g

Fiber:3-5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper Sunday roast alternative? This homemade lasagna recipe is the dish. Think layers of flavour that'll knock your socks off.

This is not your average pasta bake, honestly. It is the best lasagna recipe for a proper cosy night.

Brief Overview

Lasagna, originating from Italy, is pure comfort food. It is a layered pasta dish baked to perfection. This classic lasagna recipe is of medium difficulty.

Expect a total time of 1 hour 30 minutes. This recipe yields 8-10 generous servings. This is a true Sunday Lasagna Recipe .

Main Benefits

The authentic Italian lasagna recipe is packed with protein and calcium. Serving this guarantees smiles. It's a joy for the whole family.

What makes this homemade lasagna recipe special? It's all from scratch lasagna . Every layer is made with love. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen.

Right, let's talk ingredients for this easy homemade lasagna . First, we need to make the Bolognese sauce. Then, the luscious lasagna with béchamel sauce .

Don't worry, it sounds fancier than it is.

Right, let's dive into what you'll need to make this best lasagna recipe ! It's all about quality ingredients and the right gear.

Don't worry; you probably have most of it already. Honestly, making this easy homemade lasagna is easier than you think.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Classic Lasagna Recipe

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Let's break down the building blocks of this homemade lasagna :

Bolognese Bliss:

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Sets the stage for flavour. Use good quality.
• Onion: 1 large (approx. 1 cup finely chopped).
• Carrots & Celery: 2 each (approx. 1 cup finely chopped each).
• Ground Beef: 500g (1.1 lbs) – Look for a decent fat content, not too lean.
• Ground Pork: 250g (0.55 lbs) – Adds richness.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced – Because, garlic.
• Dried Oregano & Thyme: 1 tsp , 1/2 tsp respectively.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional) – For a bit of a kick.
• Dry Red Wine: 120ml (1/2 cup) – It deglazes the pan and adds depth.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 800g (28 oz) can.
• Diced Tomatoes: 400g (14 oz) can.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp .
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) – Low sodium is your friend.
• Bay Leaf: 1 .
• Parsley: 2 tbsp fresh, chopped (for garnish).

Béchamel Dream:

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g) .
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (65g) .
• Whole Milk: 4 cups (960 ml) , warmed.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp .
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated (optional).

Lasagna Assembly Squad:

• Fresh Lasagna Sheets: 500g (1.1 lbs) (or dried, pre-cooked noodles).
• Ricotta Cheese: 500g (1.1 lbs) – Full fat is best.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup chopped.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 500g (1.1 lbs) shredded.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated (for topping).

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce to this Authentic Italian Lasagna Recipe

For a truly great lasagna Bolognese recipe , you need a good balance of flavors. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper! The oregano and thyme are essential for that Italian je ne sais quoi .

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth. I learned that from my Nonna!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple for Sunday Lasagna Recipe

You don't need fancy stuff. Basic is fine for your new from scratch lasagna :

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
• 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Whisk.
• Cheese grater.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large pot will do just fine. No whisk? A fork works in a pinch.

It's all about making it work. Now you're set to create the best lasagna recipe ever! Let's cook.

Making Magic: My Best Lasagna Recipe Approach

Prep Steps: The All-Important Mise en Place

Honestly, preppin' is where it's at! Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. We’re talking full-on essential mise en place , people.

This is about more than just grabbing ingredients. It’s about setting yourself up for success.

This homemade lasagna recipe demands it. Chop those onions, carrots, and celery like you mean it. Dice the garlic, measure out the herbs, and warm up that milk for the béchamel .

Time-saving tip: I often prep the veggies the night before. It's a game-changer.

And a quick word of caution: when working with a mandoline slicer (if you're being extra fancy with your veg), always use the guard.

Trust me on this one. I might have a small scar that can attest to the importance of safety reminders.

Step-by-Step: Building the Beast

Here's how to tackle our classic lasagna recipe , step by step:

1. Sauté your chopped veg in olive oil in a large pot until softened. About 8- 10 minutes should do it.

2. Brown your ground beef and pork. Break it up with a spoon, and don’t overcrowd the pan!

3. Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. Cook for another minute.

4. Deglaze with red wine! Use dry red wine ( 120 ml ). Scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a bay leaf. Simmer this for at least 1 hour .

6. While the Bolognese simmers, whip up the béchamel. Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add warm milk. Simmer until thickened, then season.

7. Assemble! Layer sauce, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and béchamel in a baking dish. Finish with cheese on top.

8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 45 minutes . The top should be golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Lasagna Like a Boss

• Don't overcook the pasta! If using dried noodles, undercook them slightly. They will finish cooking in the oven.
• Taste as you go. Seasoning is key. The best lasagna recipe is one that sings with flavour.
• Let it rest! Honestly, the hardest part is waiting 10- 15 minutes before slicing. But it makes all the difference.

Making a killer homemade lasagna doesn't have to be daunting. This easy homemade lasagna is pure comfort food. The Authentic Italian Lasagna Recipe flavor is unmatched, especially served on a Sunday Lasagna Recipe .

Give this Lasagna Bolognese Recipe a try, make a From Scratch Lasagna and you’ll be feeling like a culinary rockstar in no time.

And don't forget that Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce touch. It's the bee's knees!

Recipe Notes for Your Knockout Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Alright, so you're about to dive into the world of best lasagna recipe creation! Before you channel your inner Italian grandma, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make your lasagna experience even better.

Honestly, these tips will help you nail that easy homemade lasagna every time.

Serve Up Some Style

So, you've got this beautiful classic lasagna recipe ready. Now what? Presentation matters! Think about slicing a generous square and plating it with a sprig of fresh basil.

It's a simple touch, but it looks so good. For sides, some crusty garlic bread is a must. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

And if you're feeling fancy, a glass of Chianti or other Italian red wine pairs beautifully. Seriously, it's like a party in your mouth!

Storage Secrets for Leftover Heaven

Listen, if you're anything like me, you'll be making this homemade lasagna purely for the next-day leftovers! If you do have any left, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll happily sit there for about 3-4 days. To freeze, cut the lasagna into individual portions, wrap them tightly in cling film, then foil.

They'll keep for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you can microwave it (convenient but can get a bit soggy), or bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through for a proper Sunday Lasagna Recipe experience.

I actually prefer the oven method.

Remix Your Lasagna

Want to shake things up a bit? If you're catering for vegetarians, swap the Bolognese sauce for a veggie-packed roasted vegetable ragu.

Think courgette, aubergine, peppers – all roasted until soft and sweet. For a lighter take, you could try a white sauce lasagna with béchamel sauce , using a creamy mushroom or spinach sauce instead of the tomato-based Bolognese.

And hey, if you need to go gluten-free, just grab some gluten-free lasagna noodles. The authentic Italian lasagna recipe possibilities are endless!

Nutrition Nuts and Bolts

Okay, let's get real for a sec. This lasagna Bolognese recipe is comfort food, not exactly a health food. Each serving clocks in around 550-650 calories , with a good dose of protein (35-45g), fat (30-40g), and carbs (40-50g).

But hey, it's all about balance, right? Lasagna provides protein from the meat and cheese, calcium from the dairy, and some fibre (3-5g) depending on your pasta.

Plus, it's just plain delicious, and sometimes that's all that matters!

So, go on, give this from scratch lasagna a go. With a bit of love and these handy notes, you'll be whipping up a lasagna that's so good, it'll become a family favourite.

You got this!