Introduction
Easy Classic Lasagna is a comforting dish loved by many. Combining rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta, this traditional recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
800g canned crushed tomatoes
70g tomato paste
150ml red wine (optional)
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
300g lasagna noodles
500ml whole milk
50g butter
50g all-purpose flour
250g grated mozzarella cheese
100g grated Parmesan cheese
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Enjoy this delicious homemade meal, perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) to create the perfect environment for baking the lasagna.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is nicely browned, releasing rich aromas. Then, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
To the skillet, stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and optionally, the red wine. Add dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Boil the Noodles
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside, eager to embrace the layers ahead.
Step 5: Make the Béchamel
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in all-purpose flour, stirring until smooth and slightly golden. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a velvety béchamel sauce that will elevate your lasagna.
Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna
In a baking dish, start layering. Begin with a hearty layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by the smooth béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring a golden finish.
Step 7: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, filling the air with an irresistible aroma.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make for a cleaner cut, perfect for serving.
Notes
Meat Choices
Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms, adding extra layers of flavor and nutrition.
Making Ahead
Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a perfect choice for busy weekdays.
Freezing Instructions
Cooked and cooled lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for a quick, comforting meal.
Cook Techniques
Ground Beef Cooking
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, which adds depth and flavor to the meat. Ensure it is cooked thoroughly before proceeding to add other ingredients.
Sautéing Aromatics
Sauté the onion and garlic until soft; this enhances their flavors and infuses the meat sauce with fragrance.
Simmering Sauce
Simmer the meat sauce with tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs to meld the flavors together. This step is crucial for creating a rich and hearty sauce.
Boiling Lasagna Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. This prevents them from becoming mushy when layered in the lasagna.
Making Béchamel Sauce
Prepare the béchamel sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour before gradually adding milk. This creates a creamy and smooth sauce that complements the layers.
Layering Components
Layer the ingredients systematically—starting with meat sauce, then noodles, and béchamel—ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor in every slice.
Baking
Cover the dish with foil initially to trap moisture, then remove it to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping. This technique locks in flavors while creating a crispy finish.
Resting Time
Allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use red wine?
Using red wine is optional; it adds depth to the sauce, but you can substitute it with broth or omit it entirely.
Can I prepare lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
What can I use instead of béchamel sauce?
You can use ricotta cheese mixed with egg and herbs as a lighter alternative to béchamel.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
What type of cheese works best?
While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for added flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Classic Lasagna is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together an array of flavors and textures. Perfectly layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and plenty of cheese, it makes for a heartwarming meal ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or simply a cozy night in. With its ease of preparation and timeless appeal, this lasagna is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Vegetable Lasagna
Swap out the meat for a variety of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a lighter, vegetarian version that’s just as delicious and satisfying.
White Sauce Lasagna
Experiment with a rich Alfredo sauce instead of béchamel, combining it with cooked chicken or seafood for a creamy and indulgent twist.
Mexican Lasagna
Layer tortillas instead of pasta and incorporate ingredients like seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and cheddar cheese for a zesty and flavorful fusion dish.
Pesto Lasagna
Add layers of fresh basil pesto to the classic meat and cheese fillings, creating a fresh and aromatic variation that elevates the traditional recipe.
Breakfast Lasagna
Start your day with a breakfast twist by substituting the meat with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese, creating a hearty and savory meal perfect for brunch.
Easy Classic Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while whisking. Cook until thickened.
- In a baking dish, layer meat sauce at the bottom, followed by lasagna noodles, then béchamel. Repeat until finished, topping with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
