Lasagna is one of Italy’s most beloved comfort foods, a dish rich with layers of flavor, tradition, and family history. It’s perfect for gatherings, or for cozy dinners where the savory layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and tomato sauce come together in a baked symphony. In this recipe, we’ll focus on a traditional take on lasagna,
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and red wine (if using). Add the sugar, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce to cover the bottom. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on top, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layering process (noodles, béchamel, meat sauce, cheese) until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing it to set and making it easier to slice.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian lasagna!
