Classic Homemade Lasagna
A delightful homemade lasagna with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Omnivore
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, then add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat before mixing in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add nutmeg and combine well. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, boil salted water. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and place them on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with 3 noodles, one-third of the remaining meat sauce, one-third of the béchamel sauce, and one-third of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process until you finish with a final layer of noodles, béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Allowing the lasagna to rest helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve. Use quality ingredients for the best flavor.