Classic Lasagna Recipe

Looking for the perfect classic lasagna recipe? This homemade meat lasagna features a rich combination of ground beef, ground pork, and a savory tomato sauce, all layered with creamy béchamel sauce and topped with mozzarella and ricotta cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. Made from scratch with fresh ingredients, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Serve this flavorful lasagna with cheese alongside a salad and garlic bread for the ultimate Italian meal experience. This easy lasagna recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce

• 600 g ground beef
• 400 g ground pork
• 2 tbsp oil
• 3 large onions (about 300 g), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots (about 300 g), diced
• 10 ripe tomatoes (about 800 g), peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp mixed French herbs
• 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 2 cups milk
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Lasagna

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 packages lasagna noodles
• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • Peel and dice the onions, carrots, tomatoes, and celery. Mince the garlic.
   • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and golden.
   • Add the diced carrots, celery, and ground meats. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.
   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Add the oregano, French herbs, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce, uncovered, for 90 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
   • In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a paste.
   • Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
   • Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Add the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
   • Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish with oil.
   • Spread a small amount of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
   • Top with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Add a handful of ricotta or cottage cheese.
   • Repeat the layering process until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of meat sauce, béchamel, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
   • Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.

---

Tips

• Layering: Be sure to spread the sauces evenly between the pasta layers to ensure each bite has the perfect balance of meat, cheese, and sauce.
• Resting Time: Let the lasagna rest after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meatless Lasagna: Replace the meat sauce with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free alternative.
• Cheese Options: Swap the ricotta for goat cheese or use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for added flavor.

FAQs

• Can I freeze lasagna?
  Yes, lasagna freezes well. After baking, let it cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
• How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?
  Be sure to simmer the meat sauce until it’s thickened and the excess liquid evaporates. Avoid over