Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe 🇮🇹

Lasagna is a hearty, layered Italian dish, featuring rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese between layers of pasta. This comforting favorite is perfect for family dinners and special occasions!

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

✅ 400g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
✅ 1 small onion (finely chopped)
✅ 2 cloves garlic (minced)
✅ 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
✅ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
✅ 100ml red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
✅ 200ml beef broth (or water, for consistency)
✅ 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
✅ ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
✅ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

✅ 50g butter
✅ 50g flour
✅ 500ml milk
✅ A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
✅ ½ teaspoon salt

For the Layers:

✅ 9-12 sheets of lasagna pasta (pre-cooked or oven-ready)
✅ 150g grated Parmesan cheese
✅ 200g shredded mozzarella (for a gooey topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
3️⃣ Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
4️⃣ Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5️⃣ Pour in the red wine, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6️⃣ Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
7️⃣ Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

8️⃣ Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
9️⃣ Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
🔟 Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
1️⃣1️⃣ Cook until thickened, then season with salt and nutmeg.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1️⃣2️⃣ Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
1️⃣3️⃣ Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.
1️⃣4️⃣ Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by more meat sauce and a drizzle of béchamel.
1️⃣5️⃣ Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with béchamel and shredded mozzarella on top.