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Homemade Italian Lasagna

Layer after layer of tender pasta, rich meat ragu, and creamy bechamel. This authentic Italian lasagna is the ultimate comfort food for family gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • ​ ​ ​ ​
  • 2 tbsp olive oil ​
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 500 g ground beef 1 lb
  • 250 g ground pork 1/2 lb or Italian sausage
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste ​
  • 1 can 800g/28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth or red wine ​
  • 2 tsp dried oregano ​
  • 2 tsp dried basil or fresh if available
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp butter ​
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour ​
  • 4 cups whole milk warmed
  • Pinch of nutmeg ​
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 to 14 lasagna noodles fresh or boiled according to package
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese or substitute with extra bechamel for traditional northern style
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ​
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ​
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • ​ 9x13 inch baking dish ​

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; saute until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic, then add ground beef and pork; cook until browned. Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth or wine, oregano, and basil. Simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  3. If using dried pasta, boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment to prevent sticking. If using fresh pasta, no pre-cooking may be necessary.
  4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, followed by meat sauce, bechamel or ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with noodles, sauce, bechamel, and cheese on top. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.