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homemade lasagna

Homemade Lasagna

A classic and comforting homemade lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce

  • 0.5 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 pound ground pork
  • 0.5 cup onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup red wine optional
  • 0.5 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Béchamel Sauce

  • 0.5 cup butter
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk warm
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated, optional

Assembly

  • 12 sheets lasagna noodles cooked according to package directions
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions
 

Make the Meat Sauce

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and pork over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • If using, pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until mostly evaporated.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

Make the Béchamel Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, making sure each addition is incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it coats the back of a spoon. Stir in salt and nutmeg (if using).

Assemble the Lasagna

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit if necessary.
  • Spread about one-third of the béchamel sauce over the noodles, followed by about one-third of the remaining meat sauce.
  • Sprinkle with about one-third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining béchamel sauce and cheeses.

Bake the Lasagna

  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar to the meat sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian lasagna, omit the meat and use a variety of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach instead.