Lasagna, with its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and savory cheese, is a beloved Italian comfort food that never fails to satisfy. This classic recipe is a labor of love, but the result is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a lasagna that will transport your taste buds to Italy.
Ingredients:
500g lasagna sheets (approximately 16 sheets)
500g ground beef or pork
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
800g canned diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
500ml béchamel sauce
200g mozzarella cheese, grated
100g Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Cook the Lasagna Sheets:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the lasagna sheets and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the sheets flat on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a large baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Arrange a layer of lasagna sheets on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping them to cover the bottom of the dish.
Spread a layer of meat sauce over the pasta, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce and grated cheese on top.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve with a side salad and crusty bread.
Tips:
For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
Make-ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover it tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
This classic lasagna recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, with its layers of comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this timeless Italian dish is guaranteed to impress. Buon appetito!
