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The BEST Lasagna Bolognese

The BEST Lasagna Bolognese: Flavor-Packed Italian Comfort

Experience the rich flavors of The BEST Lasagna Bolognese, a crowd-pleaser perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Sirloin 90/10 - Choose lean ground beef for a less greasy sauce.
  • 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage Enhances the flavor profile with aromatic spices.
  • 6 oz Pancetta Diced - Adds a rich, meaty depth; can substitute with bacon if preferred.
  • 1 Yellow Onion Roughly chopped - Forms the base flavor.
  • 2 Carrots Peeled and chopped - Introduces sweetness to the sauce.
  • 2 Celery Ribs Chopped - Essential for the mirepoix base.
  • 4 Garlic Cloves Minced - Adds aromatic depth.
  • 6 oz Tomato Paste Concentrates flavor within the sauce.
  • 28 oz Canned Crushed Tomatoes High-quality tomatoes are key.
  • 1.5 cups Medium-bodied Red Wine Deepens flavor; substitute with beef stock for non-alcoholic version.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Balances acidity in the sauce.
  • 2 Bay Leaves Adds herbal undertones; remember to remove before serving.
  • 1 Parmesan Rind Infuses the sauce with authentic flavor.
  • Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Pepper To taste - Seasoning elements.
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Richness is key.
  • 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the béchamel to creamy perfection.
  • 4 cups Whole Milk Warmed for a silky texture.
  • 0.125 tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg Enhances flavor; can substitute with cinnamon for a twist.
For the Lasagna Assembly
  • 20 sheets Egg Lasagna Noodles Fresh noodles create the best texture.
  • 16 oz Fresh Mozzarella Diced - Creates a creamy melt.
  • 2.5 cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Divided; reserve some for topping.
For Cooking & Sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used with butter for sautéing.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • saucepan
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

Prepare Bolognese Sauce
  1. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 7-8 minutes. Add ground sirloin and Italian sausage, cooking until browned, around 5 minutes. Mix in tomato paste, then pour in red wine, milk, and crushed tomatoes. Toss in bay leaves and parmesan rind. Simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours until thick, stirring occasionally.
Cook Lasagna Noodles
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, approximately 4 minutes. Drain and spread them onto a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare Béchamel Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it forms a roux. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking continuously until thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Assemble Lasagna
  1. In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles, followed by Bolognese sauce, and sprinkle with parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with béchamel and topping with mozzarella and remaining parmesan.
Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden. Let rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Make-Ahead: Prepare the Bolognese sauce a day prior for better flavors. Use fresh noodles for a tender texture.

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