Description
Lasagna Bolognese is a comforting Italian classic featuring layers of rich, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender lasagna noodles. It’s a versatile dish perfect for family gatherings, meal prep, or a make-ahead weeknight dinner. This recipe offers several customization options to suit various dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie variations.
Ingredients
- Lasagna Noodles: 12 lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free)
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (or plant-based meat for a vegan option)
- Ground Pork: 1 lb (optional, can use additional ground beef or plant-based meat)
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
- Red Wine: ½ cup (optional)
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried Basil: 1 tsp
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
- Butter: 4 tbsp (or vegan butter)
- Flour: 4 tbsp (or gluten-free flour)
- Milk: 3 cups (dairy or plant-based)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated (or vegan parmesan)
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (or vegan mozzarella)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for sautéing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and pork (or plant-based alternative) and cook, breaking apart, until browned (around 8 minutes).
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, and basil. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by more Bolognese sauce, a layer of béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the 9x13 inch pan
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Lasagna, Bolognese, Italian Cuisine, Comfort Food, Family Recipe, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Meal Prep