The Ultimate Lasagna Recipe

The Ultimate Lasagna Recipe: A Step-by-Step 

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite comfort food around the world. Its layers of rich, flavorful meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta sheets create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or as a satisfying weeknight dinner, this ultimate lasagna recipe will guide you through each step to create a dish that’s guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork or Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
• 5 tbsp butter
• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna Layers:

• 12-15 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (500g) ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the Aromatics: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and red wine (if using). Add the sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the fresh parsley during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is just about to boil, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a separate, large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and starts to smell nutty.
3. Combine: Slowly pour the hot milk into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season: Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil the Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. They should be al dente.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them out on a clean kitchen towel to dry.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the beaten eggs and chopped parsley.
3. Layer the Lasagna:
   1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   2. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   3. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
   4. Pour a layer of béchamel sauce over the ricotta.
   5. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
   6. Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, béchamel, cheese) until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (tent the foil slightly to avoid sticking to the cheese). Bake for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
3. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Before serving, garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. For a special touch, serve with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.

Conclusion

This ultimate lasagna recipe combines rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and layers of pasta to create a dish that’s comforting and delicious. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is sure to be a hit. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfectly layered, flavorful lasagna that everyone will love. 

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