Indulge in the rich layers of flavor with Classic Lasagna, a timeless Italian masterpiece that brings together pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating this culinary classic, making it an easy and delightful choice for a family meal that’s sure to satisfy every palate.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- Salt and nutmeg to taste
For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for a perfectly baked lasagna.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Place three lasagna noodles on top. Add a layer of béchamel sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the Classic Lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps set the layers and makes for easier serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice and serve this comforting classic to your eagerly waiting family.
- Enjoy the Layers of Flavor: Bring your family together around the dinner table and enjoy the layers of flavor in each bite of Classic Lasagna. This easy-to-make dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of indulgent comfort that transcends generations.
Classic Lasagna is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Italian comfort food. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, this classic dinner dish is bound to become a family favorite, creating moments of joy and satisfaction around your family table. Buon appetito!
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