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Italian

Lasagna Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian comfort dish featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta sheets. This hearty, flavorful casserole is perfect for satisfying all your family and friends with authentic Italian flavors.

Prep time: 20 minCook time: 50 minTotal time: 70 minCalories: 850 kcal

Lasagna bolognese, February 2012.jpg by Flickr upload bot is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 no-boil or regular lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups béchamel sauce (made from butter, flour, and milk)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add ground meat, cooking until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare béchamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  7. Spread some béchamel sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a handful of mozzarella.
  8. Repeat layering: meat sauce, noodles, béchamel, Parmesan, mozzarella until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of béchamel topped with cheese.
  9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.