Lasagna Bolognese (Lasagne alla Bolognese)

So, here’s a detailed guide to making Lasagna Bolognese (Lasagne alla Bolognese), a quintessential Italian dish from Bologna, renowned for its rich layers of ragù, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta sheets. From my own personal experience, this recipe is as rewarding as it is delicious. Let me show you how I make it, step by step, while also providing variations and tips for dietary needs.

What to Expect

Expect a hearty, flavorful dish with perfectly melded layers. The ragù provides a deep, savory base, while the béchamel adds creaminess. The Parmigiano on top crisps up beautifully for a delightful crust.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish
• Prep Time: 1 hour (longer if making components from scratch)
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Standing Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: ~450
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate

Equipment Needed

• Large sauté pan
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish (or equivalent)
• Spatula
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Lasagna Bolognese   here.

Ingredients

For the Ragù Bolognese:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 100ml white wine
• 400g canned tomatoes, crushed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 200ml milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 500ml whole milk, warmed
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt to taste

For Assembly:

• 400g fresh lasagna sheets (or pre-cooked dried pasta)
• 100g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Lasagna Bolognese   here.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ragù

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan. Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until soft.
2. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
3. Deglaze with white wine, letting it evaporate.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Add milk towards the end for a creamy texture.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Gradually whisk in warm milk to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened.
3. Season with nutmeg and salt.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Spread a thin layer of ragù on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with lasagna sheets, a layer of ragù, béchamel, and grated Parmigiano.
3. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel and Parmigiano on top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
2. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ragù with lentil or mushroom-based sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and swap regular flour in béchamel with a gluten-free alternative.
• Dairy-Free: Replace milk in béchamel with almond or soy milk, and use vegan cheese.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Lasagna Bolognese   here.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide makes creating Lasagna Bolognese less daunting! Have you tried it before, or does this recipe inspire you to give it a shot? Please be honest and let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear feedback from a real person like you!