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Classic Lasagna with Béchamel

Classic Lasagna with Béchamel for Cozy Family Nights

Enjoy a comforting Classic Lasagna with Béchamel, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Ragu Bolognese
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil a foundation for cooking that adds richness and flavor.
  • 2 large Onions deepen the dish’s flavor; feel free to use brown, white, or red.
  • 2 lbs Ground Beef essential for a hearty meat ragu, offering robust protein.
  • 5 cloves Garlic enhances flavor; adjust according to your taste preferences.
  • 3 cubes Beef Bouillon intensifies the ragu; substitute with Better Than Bouillon if desired.
  • ¾ cup Red Wine adds depth and acidity; can substitute with beef broth for a different profile.
  • 2 cans Canned Tomatoes the sauce's moisture base; crucial for flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce introduces umami for depth in the ragu.
  • 2 tbsp Dried Oregano offers a traditional Italian herbal flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Mixed Herbs complements oregano for a rounded taste.
  • 1 tsp Salt necessary seasonings to enhance all flavors.
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper necessary seasonings to enhance all flavors.
  • ½ cup Water used to adjust the sauce's consistency as needed.
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 6 tbsp Butter the base for a rich béchamel, providing creamy goodness.
  • ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour thickens the béchamel nicely.
  • pinch Mustard Powder adds a hint of complexity to the flavor.
  • 6 cups Milk main component of the béchamel, giving it a lovely creaminess.
For the Lasagna Assembly
  • 10 oz Dried Lasagna Sheets no-boil sheets simplify layering and preparation.
  • ½ cup Shredded Cheddar/Monterey Jack offers a delightful topping and extra flavor.
  • ½ cup Mozzarella Cheese provides that classic stretchy, melty texture we love.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan infuses a salty note and depth to the cheese layer.
  • Garnish (Parsley/Basil) enhances presentation and adds a fresh touch.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • saucepan
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Ragu Bolognese
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté 2 chopped onions until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 2 lbs of ground beef, breaking it up as it browns, then stir in 5 minced garlic cloves, and 3 beef bouillon cubes. Pour in ¾ cup of red wine, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add 2 cans of canned tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of Italian mixed herbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ cup of water. Simmer this hearty sauce, covered, for 2 hours, then uncover and let it cook for another 30 minutes.
Béchamel Sauce
  1. While the ragu simmers, begin the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in ¾ cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of mustard powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Gradually whisk in 6 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form, and continue whisking for 6-8 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
Lasagna Assembly
  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the ragu bolognese on the bottom. Place a layer of dried lasagna sheets (enough to cover) followed by a generous portion of béchamel sauce. Repeat this layering process—ragu, noodles, béchamel—until you have utilized all ingredients, finishing with a layer of béchamel.
Bake
  1. Top the assembled lasagna with ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Allow the lasagna to sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving, letting the flavors meld perfectly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For convenience, assemble your lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake for an additional 15 minutes if cold from the fridge. Enjoy customizing with veggies or alternative proteins for healthier versions.

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