Classic Lasagna - Easy Homemade Recipe

Classic Lasagna Recipe. 

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that consists of layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese. Here's a traditional lasagna recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

- 1 pound (450g) ground beef

- 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork or Italian sausage (optional)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (optional for additional richness)

- 2 teaspoons dried basil

- 2 teaspoons dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- 3 cups milk

- A pinch of ground nutmeg

- Salt and white pepper to taste

For Assembly:

- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions

- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.

   - Add the ground beef and pork (if using), break it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.

   - Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

   - In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

   - Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook for a couple of minutes until it turns a light golden colour.

   - Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens.

   - Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, salt, and white pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

   - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   - In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

   - Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.

   - Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

   - Repeat the layers until you've used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous amount of cheese on top.

4. Bake:

   - Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.

   - Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.

5. Serve:

   - Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Slice and serve your homemade lasagna, and enjoy this comforting Italian classic!

Also, see the recipe of

Spaghetti Carbonara- Easy Homemade