Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish featuring layers of rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta sheets. Here’s a recipe for a delicious Lasagna Bolognese:
Ingredients:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork (optional)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely grated
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- Salt and nutmeg to taste
Other Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, grated carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Cook Meat:
- Add ground beef and ground pork (if using) to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, whole milk, beef or vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for at least 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- Make Roux:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to create a roux.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually add whole milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Season:
- Season the béchamel with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
Assembling the Lasagna:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layering:
- In a large baking dish, start with a layer of Bolognese sauce, followed by a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, a layer of béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel and a generous sprinkle of cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the Lasagna Bolognese to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve your delicious Lasagna Bolognese. Enjoy!
This Lasagna Bolognese is a labor of love but worth the effort for its rich and comforting flavors. Adjust the ingredients and proportions based on your preferences and the size of your baking dish.