This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Welcome to a world where comfort food takes a delightful turn with our Lasagna Bolognese recipe. This classic Italian dish is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy embrace in the form of layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy bechamel. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings back memories of family gatherings and festive occasions.
Why You Should Try This Lasagna Bolognese Recipe
1. Authentic Italian Flavors
Experience the true essence of Italian cuisine with this recipe. Each ingredient is chosen to create a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the streets of Italy with every bite.
2. Perfect Blend of Textures
The smooth bechamel sauce, tender pasta, and hearty Bolognese meat sauce come together to create a delightful contrast of textures that is simply irresistible.
3. Ideal for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a family dinner, a special celebration, or just a craving for something truly satisfying, this Lasagna Bolognese fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Lasagna Bolognese
- Olive Oil: The foundation of many great dishes, olive oil adds a subtle richness.
- Pancetta: This Italian bacon infuses a unique, savory depth.
- Aromatic Vegetables: Onion, carrot, celery, and garlic create the classic flavor base.
- Herbs and Spices: Bay leaf and thyme provide an aromatic backdrop.
- Ground Beef Chuck: The star of the Bolognese sauce, offering a robust meaty flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce, lending acidity and sweetness.
- Butter and Flour: The roux for your bechamel sauce, offering silkiness and body.
- Whole Milk: It makes the bechamel creamy and luscious.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty element that elevates the dish.
- Lasagna Noodles: The canvas for your culinary masterpiece.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lasagna Bolognese
Preparing the Bolognese Sauce
Cook the Pancetta: In your skillet, heat olive oil and cook the pancetta to a light crisp.
Cut the vegetables. Cut them up into fine pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add in the finely chopped veggies along with the bay leaf and thyme, cooking them to perfection.
Browning the Beef: Introduce the ground beef, allowing it to brown and combine beautifully with the vegetables.
Creating the Bechamel Sauce
Forming the Roux: Melt butter, blend in flour, and cook to a golden hue.
Whisk in Warm Milk: Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
Assembling the Lasagna
Prepping the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles to al dente, then cool them in water.
Layering: In a greased baking dish, start with the meat sauce, followed by noodles, more sauce, and bechamel.
Repeat: Continue layering, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Baking to Perfection
Bake Covered: Start by baking the lasagna covered to cook evenly.
Adding the Final Touch: Uncover, add a sprinkle of Parmesan, and bake to a golden brown.
Serving and Enjoying Your Lasagna Bolognese
Let the lasagna rest before cutting into it. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress!
Variations to the Classic Lasagna Bolognese
- Cheese Lovers’ Twist: Add layers of mozzarella for an extra cheesy delight.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to cater to dietary needs.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use a substitute for pancetta? A: Absolutely! Bacon or even turkey bacon can be a great alternative.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles and use a gluten-free flour alternative for the bechamel sauce.
Q: Can I prepare Lasagna Bolognese ahead of time? A: Yes, assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate. Just add a bit more time when baking.
Q: Best way to store leftovers? A: Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day!
Q: How can I prevent my lasagna from being too runny? A: Ensure your sauces are thick enough and let the lasagna rest after baking to set properly.
Tips for Lasagna Perfection
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente to avoid mushy layers.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cheese and fresh herbs for a flavor boost.
- Layering Technique: Ensure even layers for a balanced texture in every bite.
A Recipe Worth Cherishing
There you have it, a Lasagna Bolognese recipe that’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
It’s a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart with its rich flavors and comforting essence.
Perfect for any occasion, this lasagna is a celebration of Italian culinary tradition, a true masterpiece of comfort food.
So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delightful culinary adventure.
The end result is not just a dish; it’s a story of flavors, textures, and the joy of cooking something truly special. Buon appetito!
Lasagna Bolognese
Who doesn't love the comforting layers of a classic Italian dish like Lasagna Bolognese? It's a timeless favorite that brings the heartwarming flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. In this post, I'm going to share with you a mouth-watering Lasagna Bolognese recipe that's sure to become a staple in your home. This dish combines the rich and hearty Bolognese sauce with creamy bechamel and layers of perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that's not just food, but an experience.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4 ounces pancetta finely chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 carrot finely chopped
- 1 rib celery finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef chuck
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk warmed
- 1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan
- 3/4 pound dried lasagna noodles
Instructions
Bolognese Sauce
- In a deep skillet or pot, cook 1 tbsp. Olive Oil and the pancetta over medium heat, stirring, until the pancetta is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaf and thyme and cook, stirring, until the veggies are softened, about 5 minutes; push to the side of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high.
- Add 1 tbsp. Olive Oil to the center of the pan and crumble in the ground beef; cook without stirring for 3 minutes.
- Break up the meat and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned about 3 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and 2 cups water to the skillet; simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 30 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf; season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat; let cool.
Bechamel Sauce
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute.
- Whisk in the milk in a steady stream and simmer for 2 minutes, whisking.
- Remove from the heat, stir in 1 cup Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
- Let cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Dried lasagna noodles
- In a pot of boiling, salted water, add the remaining 1 tbsp. Olive Oil and the lasagna noodles. Cook, stirring, until al dente. Drain and transfer to a bowl of cold water.
Put The Lasagna Bolognese Together
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; add 34 of the cup meat sauce to coat.
- Add a layer of noodles, overlapping slightly.
- Top with 1 cup of the meat sauce, then a layer of noodles; add 1 cup of the bechamel, spreading to coat. Repeat the layers.
- Add a fifth layer of noodles and top with the remaining meat sauce; dollop with the remaining bechamel.
- Cover with greased parchment, then wrap the pan with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour; uncover and sprinkle with the remaining 14 cup Parmesan. Bake for 15 minutes more. Loosen the foil; let stand for 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 567Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 652mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 9gProtein: 32g
Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.
About Kelly
Hey there, amazing souls! I’m Kelly, the heartbeat behind the cherished blog, “Kelly’s Thoughts On Things.” I started this digital journey in 2012 and quickly became your go-to Brand Ambassador for all things life-enhancing! I’m all about sharing savvy tips and heartfelt insights, especially when it comes to recipes, travel, health, crafts, and autism.
Gabriel
Wednesday 14th of August 2013
I can't live without! I put red pepper and onion also ;)
Debbie Welchert
Friday 2nd of August 2013
Oh this sounds and looks so good. I have to try this out on my family. I know they will love it.
michelle elizondo
Thursday 18th of July 2013
This is great for a childs birthday party.
Katie
Friday 16th of November 2012
We love Lasagna in our house! That looks like a fairly easy and yummy recipe! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the dish you baked in! Is that perhaps a Rachel Ray cookware piece?
Icar (My Charmed Mom)
Friday 16th of November 2012
looks so yummy and appetizing, thanks for sharing the easy recipe hope to do it sometime soon...