Classic Beef Lasagna Layers (Print version)
Hearty Italian dish with beef ragù, béchamel sauce, layered pasta, and a bubbling cheese crust.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meat Sauce
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
06 - 1.1 pounds ground beef
07 - 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 1/2 cup dry red wine
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Béchamel Sauce
13 - 3.5 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 3 cups whole milk, warmed
16 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
17 - Salt and white pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
18 - 12 to 15 no-boil lasagna noodles or regular precooked noodles
19 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
20 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat, until browned. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute; then add red wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
02 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until pale golden. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thick and smooth, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Remove from heat.
03 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles. Top with one-third of the meat sauce, spoon over one-third of the béchamel sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with béchamel and cheeses on top.
04 - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It combines familiar flavors that feel like a cozy secret shared between friends
- The creamy béchamel layered with savory meat sauce creates an irresistible texture duo
02 -
- Using no-boil noodles can save time but be careful to spread enough sauce so they cook through evenly
- Simmering the meat sauce slowly develops deep flavors that make this lasagna unforgettable
03 -
- Always let béchamel cool slightly before layering to prevent noodles from getting soggy
- A good quality Parmesan cheese is the secret that makes the topping sing with flavor