Classic Lasagna Bolognese
Recipe Introduction: Lasagna Bolognese Italian Comfort Food at Its Finest
Fancy a taste of Italy? You know, the kind that warms you right up? Well, this classic lasagna Bolognese is just the ticket! It's one of my all-time fave italian dinner entrees .
Honestly, it's like a hug in food form.
A Slice of Italy in Your Kitchen
This isn’t just any old lasagna. We're talking a proper authentic italian lasagna , hailing from the Emilia Romagna region. It's a medium level recipe, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes, but totally worth it.
This homemade lasagna yields enough for 8-10 hungry people.
Why You'll Love This Lasagna
Besides being downright delicious, this beef lasagna is packed with protein. It's ideal for a Sunday supper. It's also the perfect dish to impress your mates at a dinner party.
You know, something like "Alright, let's get this sorted! and wow your guests with your cooking skill. It has layers upon layers of goodness.
It's also a great way to use up leftover veg.
Now, let's get this sorted ! Gather round the kitchen and prepare yourself for a culinary adventure.
Lasagna Bolognese: Ingredient Time
For the Bolognese: Olive oil One large chopped onion Two chopped carrots Two chopped celery stalks One lb ground beef One half lb ground pork One half cup dry red wine One can crushed tomatoes One can tomato sauce Two tbsp tomato paste One tsp dried oregano One half tsp dried basil One bay leaf Salt and pepper to taste
One cup beef broth
For the Béchamel: Six tbsp unsalted butter Six tbsp all-purpose flour Four cups whole milk One quarter tsp ground nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste
And the rest: One lb fresh or no-boil lasagna noodles Fifteen oz ricotta cheese One large egg, lightly beaten One half cup grated Parmesan cheese Three cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Alright, let's get this sorted! Before we dive into making this classic lasagna , we need to gather our troops.
I promise it's not as daunting as it looks. This lasagna bolognese recipe is worth it.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml )
- Onion: 1 large (about 1 cup , 150g )
- Carrots: 2 (about 1 cup , 150g )
- Celery: 2 stalks (about 1 cup , 150g )
- Ground Beef: 1 lb ( 450g ). Get good quality stuff!
- Ground Pork: 1/2 lb ( 225g )
- Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ) - don't use anything you wouldn't drink!
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can ( 794g )
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 oz) can ( 425g )
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp ( 30g )
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp ( 2g )
- Dried Basil: 1/2 tsp ( 1g )
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Beef Broth: 1 cup ( 240 ml )
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tbsp ( 85g )
- All-Purpose Flour: 6 tbsp ( 45g )
- Whole Milk: 4 cups ( 950 ml )
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp ( 0.5g )
- Lasagna Noodles: 1 lb ( 450g )
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 oz ( 425g )
- Egg: 1 large
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup ( 50g )
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups ( 300g )
For the meat, go for good quality. You want something with a decent amount of fat for flavor in your beef lasagna . Cheap mince just won't cut it.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Don't underestimate the power of herbs! Oregano and basil are the classic italian dinner recipes combo. A bay leaf adds depth. Salt and pepper are your friends!
Nutmeg in the béchamel? Trust me! It adds warmth. For a bit of a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You'll need a large pot or Dutch oven for the Bolognese. A 9x13 inch baking dish is perfect for layering. A whisk is a must for smooth béchamel.
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. A normal pot will do if you dont have a Dutch oven. A homemade lasagna doesn't require fancy equipment!
This authentic italian lasagna recipe may look long, but each step is simple! Now that you have the ingredients ready, let's make some italian comfort food ! And trust me, this is the best lasagna recipe .
Cooking Method: Baking Your Way to Italian Dinner Entrees Bliss
Alright, let's get this sorted! Baking is a fantastic way to create some seriously impressive italian dinner entrees . And honestly, who doesn't love the smell of something delicious wafting from the oven? Let's dive into how to bake your classic lasagna like a pro, based on our killer lasagna bolognese recipe.
It's easier than you think, promise!
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together
Mise en place is key, my friend. Chop your veg, measure your cheese. Honestly, it makes life so much easier.
Time saving tip? Buy pre-shredded cheese if you're feeling lazy. No judgement here. And remember, oven mitts are your best friend.
Don't be touching hot things without them!
step-by-step: Baking Bonanza
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . That's the magic number.
- Assemble that bad boy lasagna according to the lasagna bolognese recipe . Even layers are your friend.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes . This helps it cook evenly.
- Remove the foil. Bake for another 15- 30 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This is crucial.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Baking Game
Want to take your baking to the next level? Try this: add a splash of milk to your béchamel for extra creaminess.
Seriously, it's a game changer. A common mistake? Overbaking! Keep an eye on it, you don't want a dried out lasagna. make-ahead option? Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and bake it when you're ready.
Boom. This one is one of the best italian dinner recipes .
Baking is all about patience and paying attention. Once you've mastered this easy lasagna recipe , you'll be whipping up amazing baked pasta dishes in no time.
So grab your apron, put on some tunes, and get baking! You'll have the most authentic italian lasagna on the block!
Recipe Notes: Your Lasagna Lowdown
Alright, let's get this sorted! This ain't just about following instructions. It's about making your lasagna, your way! Making italian dinner entrees can be daunting, so, here are some notes to help you along the way, and some of my tips to make this classic lasagna the best lasagna recipe ever!
Serving Suggestions: Presentation and Pairings
Plating is key, innit? For a rustic look, just serve it straight from the dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and an extra grating of Parmesan.
Fancy a bit more? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness. A nice crusty bread for mopping up that sauce? Bang on! Drink wise, a cheeky glass of Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio hits the spot.
It enhances the flavors of this homemade lasagna .
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Honestly, lasagna bolognese recipe tastes even better the next day. To store it, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it well in cling film or foil, or put it in an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Wanna freeze it? Cut it into individual portions first. That way, you can just grab what you need.
It'll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months . Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through and bubbly.
Make sure that the middle of the lasagna reaches 165° F( 74° C) before you eat it!
Variations: Putting Your Spin On It
Got dietary needs? No worries! For a veggie version, swap the meat for loads of roasted veg like courgettes, aubergines, and peppers.
For a lighter beef lasagna , use lean mince and low-fat cheese. In the autumn, swap standard mushrooms for wild ones.
It really kicks the flavour up a notch. You know? It gives it that lovely earthy taste. If you are a bit gluten intolerant, try gluten-free baked pasta dishes .
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
While this is italian comfort food , it's good to know what you're eating. Each serving packs a good punch of protein, thanks to the meat and cheese.
The tomatoes give you a dose of Vitamin C, and the dairy provides calcium. Obviously, it's not exactly a salad, but it's all about balance, yeah? Just take it easy with portion size, and enjoy the authentic italian lasagna without any guilt.
So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your Lasagna Bolognese sing. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are the best Italian dinner entrees to make for a crowd?
When feeding a group, you want something satisfying and easy to serve. Lasagna Bolognese is a winner, every time! It's a crowd pleaser, and you can make it ahead of time. Think of it like a Sunday roast a guaranteed hit.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time, like a proper "batch cook" situation?
Absolutely! Assembling the lasagna a day in advance is a fantastic idea. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly. It also helps the flavours meld together even more, like a good stew.
I'm on a bit of a health kick. Are there any healthier swaps I can make in this recipe?
Definitely! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork, and opt for part skim ricotta and mozzarella. You could also sneak in some finely chopped veggies like zucchini or spinach into the bolognese for an extra nutritional boost.
Think of it as "stealth health" all the flavour, a little less guilt.
Help! My béchamel sauce is lumpy what did I do wrong, and how do I fix it?
Lumpy béchamel is a common kitchen woe, but don't despair! The trick is to whisk the flour and butter together thoroughly before adding the milk. If lumps do form, try using an immersion blender to smooth things out. In a pinch, you can strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve.
Just remember to keep calm and whisk on, as Mary Berry would say.
How long will leftover lasagna keep, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover lasagna will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, but for the best results, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through. This helps prevent it from drying out.
Perfect for a quick lunch, better than a soggy sandwich from Pret!
What are some other easy Italian dinner entrees I can try after I nail this lasagna?
Once you have conquered the lasagna, the world is your oyster! Try a classic spaghetti carbonara for a quick and easy win, or perhaps a creamy risotto with mushrooms and parmesan. You can also explore some rustic pasta dishes like pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans), or maybe try your hand at making fresh pasta!
The possibilities are endless; dig in and enjoy the journey!
Classic Lasagna Bolognese
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-35g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
