🍝 Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna

✨ Description

Layers of tender pasta sheets, rich slow-simmered beef ragù, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted golden mozzarella. This comforting Italian classic is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners.

---

📝 Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce (Ragù)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

---

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 3 cups (720ml) warm whole milk

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• Salt and white pepper to taste

---

For Assembly

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (cooked or oven-ready)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).

3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

6. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (do not brown).

3. Gradually add warm milk while whisking continuously.

4. Cook until thick and smooth (about 5 minutes).

5. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.

3. Add a layer of noodles.

4. Spread meat sauce, then béchamel.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella.

6. Repeat layers (usually 3–4 layers total).

7. Finish with béchamel and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

---

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

3. Let rest 15–20 minutes before slicing.

---

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad.

• Pair with red wine like Chianti or Merlot.

---

💡 Pro Tips

• Let lasagna rest before cutting for clean slices.

• For extra richness, add ricotta between layers.

• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

---

⏰ Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days.

• Freeze up to 3 months.

• Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.