Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! This classic lasagna recipe is not just a meal—it's an experience that combines rich, hearty flavors with creamy, luxurious textures. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you creating a restaurant-worthy dish that will make your family and friends beg for seconds. Get ready to discover the magic of layered perfection that combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a silky bechamel sauce that will make your mouth water!
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles
- Ground beef
- Tomato sauce
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bechamel sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat once the meat is fully cooked.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add them to the cooked ground beef and sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Prepare the bechamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually adding milk while continuously stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until they are al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the lasagna: spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, followed by a layer of noodles.
- Add layers in this order: noodles, meat sauce, bechamel sauce, grated Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Ensure the top layer is covered with bechamel sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into portions, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the most authentic flavor • Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy lasagna • Cook the lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy • Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make cutting easier • For extra richness, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage • Don't skip the bechamel sauce—it's the secret to a creamy, luxurious texture • Grate your own cheese for maximum flavor and melting potential • If you're short on time, you can prepare the meat sauce and bechamel a day in advance • For a golden, crispy top, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 80mg
