lasagna Bolognese

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:

1. 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.
2. Cook Meat:
   • Add ground beef and ground pork (if using) to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
3. Add Aromatics:
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
   • Pour in the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. 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:

1. Make Roux:
   • In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to create a roux.
2. Add Milk:
   • Gradually add whole milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
3. Season:
   • Season the béchamel with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.

Assembling the Lasagna:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Rest and Serve:
   • Allow the Lasagna Bolognese to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
5. 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.