Classic Lasagna

Classic Lasagna: A Timeless Italian Favorite

Introduction

Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish that has won hearts worldwide for its rich layers of flavors and textures.

With its perfect combination of pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, lasagna is a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table.

Whether for a family dinner or a festive occasion, lasagna is a timeless recipe that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

500g (1 lb) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork.

1 medium onion, finely chopped.

3-4 garlic cloves, minced.

1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes or tomato puree.

2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste.

1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity).

1 teaspoon of dried oregano.

1 teaspoon of dried basil.

Salt and pepper to taste.

2 tablespoons of olive oil.

For the Béchamel Sauce:

3 tablespoons of butter.

3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.

2 cups of milk.

A pinch of nutmeg.

Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Lasagna Layers:

12-15 lasagna sheets (pre-cooked or no-boil as per package instructions).

2-3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.

1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Optional: 1 cup of ricotta cheese for an extra creamy layer.

Optional Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves for serving.

Body

Begin by preparing the meat sauce. Heat olive oil in a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces.

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes to develop deep flavors.

For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms.

Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Now, assemble the lasagna in a baking dish. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna sheets.

Spread a portion of béchamel sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Bake the lasagna in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Classic lasagna is more than just a dish—it’s a symbol of comfort, love, and togetherness.

Its rich, cheesy layers paired with the hearty meat sauce create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, lasagna is sure to delight everyone at the table.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the timeless joy of homemade lasagna!