Savory Lasagna alla Bolognese: A Comfort Food Delight

Discover the rich layers of Lasagna alla Bolognese, a comforting dish that offers a taste of Italy in every bite.

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Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Bolognese, comfort food, Italian Classic, Lasagna, Layered Dish, Make-Ahead

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 1 30

Resting Time: 10

Total Time: 2 10

Servings: slices

Calories: 400kcal

Equipment

large skillet
Saucepan
Baking dish

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

2 tablespoons Olive oil for sautéing veggies and adding richness
1 tablespoon Butter enhances flavor and combines well with the olive oil
1 Onion chopped; a base for the sauce that adds sweetness
2 Carrots chopped; they bring a lovely sweetness and texture to the mix
2 stalks Celery chopped; an essential flavor booster in the sauce
1 lb Ground beef use this for a savory, hearty base in your Lasagna alla Bolognese
1 cup Canned tomatoes crushed; they create the delicious saucy foundation
1 cup Beef broth adds depth and richness to the sauce
2 tablespoons Tomato paste thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor
1 teaspoon Dried oregano brings an aromatic Italian herb essence
1 teaspoon Salt amplifies flavor
1 teaspoon Pepper adds just the right amount of kick

For the Béchamel Sauce

4 tablespoons Flour the base for thickening your béchamel sauce
3 cups Milk use whole milk for creaminess
2 tablespoons Butter enriches the béchamel with a silky texture

For the Layers

12 Lasagna noodles the star of this layered dish, cooked until al dente
2 cups Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano offers a rich, nutty flavor that complements the layers
⅓ cup Grated cheese for topping; feel free to use a mix of your favorite cheeses
1 cup Béchamel sauce brings that creamy goodness and helps bind everything together

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lasagna alla Bolognese

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and the onions become translucent.
Introduce 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula, allowing it to brown for around 8-10 minutes.
After browning the beef, stir in 1 cup of crushed canned tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes.
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in 3 cups of milk while whisking constantly.
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure even cooking.
In a baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, then add another layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of béchamel and a sprinkle of ½ cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes.
Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Using fresh vegetables and high-quality meat will elevate your Lasagna alla Bolognese, ensuring a richer taste. Letting your lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing will help the layers hold together better.

Nutrition