Image Source from recipesen

Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna, that quintessential Italian dish, is loved for its layers of pasta, meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese. It’s a comforting meal that warms the soul and brings everyone together around the dinner table. While it may seem like a daunting dish to prepare, this easy homemade lasagna recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious result that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 500g minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A pinch of sugar (optional)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 50g unsalted butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 12-15 lasagne sheets (fresh or dried)
• 200g grated mozzarella cheese
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced beef. Cook until the meat is browned all over, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Once the meat is browned, stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a robust flavour.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Mix in the Flour: Once melted, add the plain flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux. It should be pale and smooth.

3. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to whisk until it thickens.

4. Season the Sauce: Remove it from the heat and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.

2. Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, place a layer of lasagne sheets over the sauce, followed by a layer of béchamel. Continue this layering process—meat sauce, pasta, béchamel—until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of béchamel.

3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Serve

Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your homemade lasagna with a simple green salad and a crisp glass of wine for a truly delightful meal.

Tips for Success

• Use Good Quality Ingredients: The key to a fantastic lasagna is using high-quality meat, tomatoes, and cheese. This will enhance the overall flavour of the dish.
• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and kept in the fridge. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

In conclusion, this easy homemade lasagna recipe is not only simple to follow but also allows for plenty of creativity. Feel free to add vegetables, substitute the meat, or even make a vegetarian version with ricotta cheese and spinach. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavour and the joy of sharing this classic dish with your loved ones!