Lasagna with Béchamel Recipe

Lasagna with Béchamel Recipe

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Lasagna with béchamel is a classic Italian comfort food loved worldwide. This recipe combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel to create a luscious, layered dish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Its velvety béchamel sauce adds a unique, smooth texture that makes this lasagna stand out from traditional recipes.

Why You Will Love the Lasagna with Béchamel Recipe

This lasagna recipe perfectly balances flavors and textures, making every bite delightful. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, you’ll appreciate its straightforward process and rich taste.

  • Creamy béchamel sauce creates a smooth and velvety layer.
  • Layers of meat sauce and cheese offer a hearty, savory flavor.
  • The recipe is flexible and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
  • It’s a great dish to prepare ahead and reheat for busy days.
  • Ideally suited for family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients for Lasagna with Béchamel Recipe

Gather these essential ingredients before starting your lasagna with béchamel recipe. Fresh and quality ingredients ensure the best flavor and texture.

  • 12 lasagna sheets
  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 800g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 50g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 300g mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 60g butter
  • 60g all-purpose flour
  • 750ml milk
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and white pepper

How to Make Lasagna with Béchamel

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious lasagna with béchamel sauce. Each step builds layers of flavor and texture for a perfect dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, then season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Sheets

Boil lasagna sheets in salted water for 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a towel to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer with pasta sheets, béchamel sauce, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest before serving.

Lasagna with Béchamel Recipe

Lasagna with Béchamel

A classic Italian comfort dish combining rich ground beef meat sauce layered with creamy béchamel, tender pasta sheets, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 12 lasagna sheets
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 300 g mozzarella cheese sliced
  • 60 g butter
  • 60 g all-purpose flour
  • 750 ml milk
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and white pepper

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, then season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.
  3. Boil lasagna sheets in salted water for 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a towel to prevent sticking.
  4. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer with pasta sheets, béchamel sauce, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and cheese on top.
  5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest before serving.

Notes

Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set the layers. Use fresh basil or parsley as garnish for extra aroma and color. Leftovers can be gently reheated in the oven to preserve texture. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

Serving Tips for Lasagna with Béchamel

Serving lasagna with béchamel at its best enhances the dining experience. Here are some valuable tips to enjoy every bite.

  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set the layers.
  • Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and aroma.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in the oven to preserve texture.
  • Offer garlic bread or crusty bread on the side to complement the dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Lasagna with Béchamel

Lasagna with béchamel sauce provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a satisfying meal. Ground beef supplies essential proteins and iron important for muscle repair and energy. The béchamel sauce, made from milk and butter, adds calcium for strong bones. Tomatoes contribute antioxidants like lycopene, promoting heart health. While rich, this dish offers nutrients that support overall well-being when enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied diet.

Conclusion

Lasagna with béchamel sauce is a timeless Italian classic that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With its creamy béchamel and savory meat layers, it’s perfect for family meals or special occasions. This recipe’s straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels. Try it today and enjoy a rich, satisfying dish that everyone will love!