Experience the authentic taste of Italy with Classic Lasagna! 🍝🧀🍅 Layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich and flavorful meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and copious amounts of ooey melted cheese make up this classic and hearty dish. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that will cheer up your dining room and fill your belly.
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions 🍝
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage 🍖
- 1 large onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste 🍅
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 🍚
- 4 cups whole milk 🥛
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional) 🌰
- Salt and white pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Melt the olive oil in a sizable skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion, both chopped. The onion should be sautéed until fragrant and translucent.
- Italian sausage or ground beef should be added to the pan. Cook the meat until it is well-browned and done. Remove any extra fat.
- Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed tomatoes after seasoning with salt and black pepper. To allow the flavors to blend, simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat in a different saucepan. To create a roux, whisk in the all-purpose flour. The roux should be lightly golden after about 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Add the whole milk to the roux gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. The sauce should be cooked until it thickens and becomes smooth and creamy. Add a dash of nutmeg, salt, and white pepper, if desired.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce, and then a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a generous amount of cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
- Serve the Classic Lasagna:
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Cut the lasagna into squares and serve the delicious layers of flavors and melted cheese.
👉 Classic Lasagna is a timeless and comforting Italian dish that’s perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving a satisfying and flavorful meal. Share the love and enjoy this heartwarming classic with your friends and family! 🍝🧀🍅