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Perfect Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Beef Bolognese and Béchamel Made Easy

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A comforting and rich homemade lasagna featuring layers of slow-simmered beef bolognese and creamy béchamel sauce, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine or beef broth (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
  • 9–12 no-boil lasagna noodles (or regular noodles boiled al dente)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Bolognese: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Pour in red wine or beef broth, scrape bottom of pan, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out raw taste.
  8. Slowly pour in warmed milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps.
  9. Continue whisking and cooking until sauce thickens to creamy, pourable consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.
  11. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  12. Spread a thin layer of beef bolognese on the bottom of the baking dish.
  13. Arrange 3-4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping.
  14. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over noodles, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  15. Add another layer of beef bolognese, noodles, béchamel, and cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with a cheese layer.
  16. Bake the Lasagna: Cover baking dish loosely with foil.
  17. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  18. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If béchamel gets too thick, whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen. Use fresh grated cheese for better melting. No-boil noodles save time but boiled noodles give a more tender bite. Let lasagna rest after baking to set layers for clean slicing. Slow simmer bolognese for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, homemade lasagna, beef bolognese, béchamel sauce, classic Italian, comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://evabake.com/perfect-classic-homemade-lasagna-recipe-with-beef-bolognese-and-b-e-chamel-made-easy/