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CLASSIC LASAGNA BOLOGNESE

Classic Lasagna Bolognese

Description Classic Lasagna Bolognese is a hearty, comforting Italian dish featuring layers of rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender lasagna noodles, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • Main Components:
  • Fresh lasagna noodles or high-quality store-bought noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef or a combination of beef and pork
  • 2 cans of tomatoes 28 oz each
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup red wine optional
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cheeses:
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Miscellaneous:
  • Fresh basil and parsley chopped
  • Ground nutmeg
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 4 cups milk

Method
 

  1. Step-by-Step Guide
  2. Prepping the Bolognese Sauce:
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  4. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until soft.
  5. Add ground beef (or beef and pork) and cook until browned.
  6. Pour in red wine and let it simmer until reduced (optional).
  7. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
  8. Simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  9. Add milk and let it cook for another 30 minutes.
  10. Making the Béchamel Sauce:
  11. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  12. Add flour and whisk until smooth to form a roux.
  13. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
  14. Season with salt, nutmeg, and white pepper.
  15. Assembling the Lasagna:
  16. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  17. Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  18. Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
  19. Spread Bolognese sauce over the noodles, followed by béchamel sauce.
  20. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  21. Repeat layers, ending with a generous amount of cheese on top.
  22. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  23. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  24. Serving:
  25. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  26. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley.

Notes

Additional Notes
For best results, let the Bolognese sauce simmer for as long as possible to develop deep flavors.
You can prepare the Bolognese sauce a day in advance to save time.