Classic Lasagna Recipe: Layers of Comfort and Flavor

Classic Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup water

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Make the Béchamel Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
   • Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Add a layer of béchamel sauce, meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
   • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of béchamel and cheese on top.

5. Bake:

   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time.
• Add spinach or mushrooms to the layers for extra flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.