Classic Meat Lasagna with Béchamel and Ricotta

Name: Classic Meat Lasagna with Béchamel and Ricotta
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 125 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 500 g ground beef; 1 can tomato sauce ((400 ml)); 1 can diced tomatoes ((400 ml)); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk (warm); 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil)

125 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Indulge in this classic meat lasagna layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and ricotta.

Prep

45 min

Cook

60 min

Total

125 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

The classic meat lasagna is a beloved dish that combines layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and ricotta cheese, all nestled between sheets of tender lasagna noodles. This Italian classic is a staple in many households, bringing warmth and comfort to the dinner table. Creating a homemade lasagna might seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can master this delicious dish. The key to a perfect lasagna lies in the balance of flavours and textures, achieved through carefully layered ingredients and a slow, gradual baking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes. Ensure the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the beef. The meat should be fully browned with no pink remaining.

Pro tip: Break up the beef with a spoon for even cooking.

Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in warm milk, cooking until thickened. Add nutmeg and stir well.

Pro tip: Ensure there are no lumps by whisking continuously.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top. Layer with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce, 1/3 of the béchamel sauce, 1/3 of the ricotta, and 1/3 of the mozzarella. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with Parmesan cheese.

Pro tip: Ensure noodles are fully covered by sauce for even cooking.

Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Pro tip: Use foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

Rest the Lasagna

Remove lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: Resting allows the layers to set for easier serving.

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Tips & Tricks

Use no-boil noodles for a quicker assembly.
Let the lasagna rest before serving for neat slices.
Cover lasagna with foil to prevent the top from burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the baking time for lasagna?

Bake the lasagna for a total of 60 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil noodles work perfectly and save time during assembly.

How can I prevent the top from burning?

Cover the lasagna with foil for the first 40 minutes of baking.

How long should lasagna rest before cutting?

Let the lasagna rest for 20 minutes before slicing for best results.

Can lasagna be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What temperature should lasagna be cooked to?

Bake lasagna at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this classic meat lasagna with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family. To make ahead, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Once cooked, lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers in the oven for best results.