Description
Ultimate Lasagna Bolognese is a rich, indulgent take on the classic Italian favorite, featuring layers of tender pasta, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or make-ahead meals, this lasagna delivers deep flavor and comforting satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Bolognese Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Béchamel Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
Lasagna Assembly
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned.
- Sauté the vegetables and garlic: Add finely diced onion, carrot, and celery to the meat. Cook until vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to develop flavor.
- Simmer the Bolognese sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: While the Bolognese simmers, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg and salt to taste.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna layers.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer cooked noodles over the sauce, then spread béchamel sauce, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and add more Bolognese sauce. Repeat layering, finishing with a top layer of béchamel and cheese.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest before serving: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier for serving.
Notes
- Letting the lasagna rest helps it hold its shape when sliced.
- The Bolognese sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance to enhance flavor.
- You can freeze the unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 2 months for future meals.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
