Best Lasagna Recipe

Best Lasagna – Indulge, in the timeless comfort of the Best Lasagna Recipe, a dish that will leave you yearning for more. Imagine layers of meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese coming together to create an irresistible casserole. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply aiming for leftovers this recipe is your go-to choice. Let’s delve into the world of Italian cuisine and embark on creating a masterpiece!

this Recipe

Imagine this; On a chilly evening, I decided to treat my family to this mouthwatering lasagna. The tantalizing scent of onions and garlic filled our kitchen as I prepared the meat sauce. The anticipation among my loved ones grew with every simmering moment, on the stove. With one bite an explosion of flavors took over our taste buds instantly becoming a family favorite. My husband couldn’t help to declare it the “Best Lasagna Ever ” while my child’s eyes sparkled with delight. Now it’s my pleasure to share this recipe with you so that you too can experience that same joy within your own home.

What makes this Best Lasagna truly extraordinary?

What sets this extraordinary Best Lasagna Recipe is its savory meat sauce—a tantalizing fusion of simmered ground beef and pork infused with aromatic herbs and flavorful tomatoes. To add a layer of indulgence there’s also a béchamel sauce enriched with creamy parmesan cheese—creating an irresistibly velvety texture that beautifully complements the heartiness of the dish. Using lasagna noodles and mozzarella cheese takes this dish to a new level enhancing the texture and flavor. The end result is a lasagna that’s both comforting and gourmet making it a delightful treat, for your palate while filling your home with the scent of authentic Italian cooking.

What You Need To Make This Best Lasagna Recipe?

Ground Meat: You have the flexibility to choose between ground beef and ground pork (or a combination of both) for the meat sauce. The choice can influence the overall flavor and texture of your lasagna, so pick your favorite or experiment to find your perfect blend.

Tomato Base: The combination of Passata (strained tomatoes) and crushed tomatoes creates a harmonious tomato base that’s both rich and flavorful. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, consider adding the optional half teaspoon of sugar, but taste before adding to adjust to your preference.

Tomato Paste: Opt for tomato paste with added garlic and herbs for an extra layer of flavor. This small but impactful addition infuses the sauce with a delightful aroma and depth.

Bouillon Cubes: Crushed beef or vegetable bouillon cubes are used to enhance the umami profile of the meat sauce. Ensure they are fully dissolved in the sauce for a balanced and savory taste.

Dried Herbs: The dried oregano and basil bring classic Italian herb flavors to your sauce. Feel free to adjust the quantities to match your personal taste.

Fresh Parmesan: Using freshly shredded parmesan cheese for the béchamel sauce is recommended to achieve that authentic, nutty Parmesan flavor. Grated parmesan from a block offers the best quality and taste.

Steps To Make Best Lasagna:

For the Meat Sauce:

Step 1: Heat things up by adding a splash of olive oil to a large pot. Toss in those finely chopped onions and diced carrots. Let ’em sizzle for about 8-10 minutes until they’re all soft and cozy. Then, sprinkle in some minced garlic and let it perfume the air for a sweet minute.

Step 2: Get ready for a meaty dance party! Add in your ground beef and pork (or just beef if that’s your jam) and let them groove until they’re nicely browned. It’s all about those rich flavors coming together.

Step 3: Now, time for the saucy stars to shine! Pour in that Passata, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste (bonus points if it’s garlic and herbs-flavored). Crush those bouillon cubes for that extra oomph, and sprinkle in dried oregano and basil. Give it all a big stir, and let it simmer gently, infusing your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Season to your liking with salt, pepper, and a smidge of sugar if you’re craving a hint of sweetness. Cover and let it mingle for about 20-30 minutes until it’s sauce heaven.

For the Parmesan White Sauce (Béchamel):

Step 4: It’s time to get cheesy! Melt some butter in your pot. Then, whisk in flour like you’re whisking away your troubles for about 30 seconds until they’re best friends.

Step 5: Put that pot back on the stove but turn down the heat. Gradually pour in some milk, a cup at a time. Whisk it like you mean it, so it’s all smooth and creamy. If it’s getting too thick, don’t fret; just add a splash more milk until it’s a velvety dream.

Step 6: Pump up the heat to medium and let it thicken up (around 6-7 minutes). It should coat the back of your spoon like it’s giving it a cozy winter coat. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, let it melt like a warm hug, and season with salt and pepper. Voila!

To Assemble:

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) – it’s almost showtime!

Step 8: Start the stage with a cup of that meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, lay down your fresh lasagna sheets, trim ’em if needed to fit.

Step 9: It’s layering time! Add 2 cups of meat sauce to cover those pasta performers, drizzle on 1 cup of that creamy white sauce, and toss half the mozzarella cheese into the spotlight. Repeat those layers, leaving the rest of the mozzarella for the grand finale.

Step 10: Pop your masterpiece into the oven for 25 minutes until it’s golden and bubbling, like a work of art coming to life.

Step 11: Before you take a bow, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Now, slice into your culinary creation and savor the love you’ve poured into this Best Lasagna Recipe. Enjoy every bite!

Tip:

To effortlessly slice and serve your lasagna it’s best to let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This short period of resting allows the layers to settle making it simpler to achieve those slices that are perfect, for sharing on Instagram without any unfortunate mishaps. Additionally this resting time allows the flavors to blend harmoniously resulting in a delightful lasagna indulgence. So before you dive in just exercise patience – trust me the wait will be well worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried lasagna sheets instead of fresh ones?

Sure you can definitely use dried lasagna sheets instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to follow the instructions, on the package to cook them before you assemble the lasagna.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time and freeze it?

Absolutely! You can make this lasagna ahead of time. Freeze it. It freezes well. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it with foil.

What side dishes pair well with this lasagna?

If you’re looking for side dishes to go with this lasagna, garlic bread and a simple green salad, with vinaigrette are great choices. They complement the flavors of the lasagna perfectly.

Best Lasagna Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Introducing a recipe, for the Best Lasagna that will leave your taste buds in awe. Imagine layers of delicious meat sauce, where every bite is a symphony of flavors from blended ground beef and pork complemented by aromatic herbs and tomatoes. Topping this masterpiece is a velvety béchamel infused with parmesan creating a blanket over the delicate sheets of fresh lasagna. As it bakes to a hue your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas building anticipation for that moment when you finally cut into it. With each mouthwatering bite you'll be transported to the comforting traditions of Italian cuisine, at its best. This lasagna isn't a recipe; it's an expression of love. Taste that your family will yearn for time and time again.

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12 Servings

Ingredients

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For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 carrot finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves minced
• 24 oz 700 g ground beef mince
• 10 oz 300 g ground pork mince or beef
• 24 oz 700 g Passata
• 14 oz 410 g crushed tomatoes
• 3 heaped tbsp tomato paste I use garlic and herbs flavored
• 2 beef or vegetable bouillon cubes crushed
• 1 tsp each dried oregano and basil
• 1/2 tsp sugar if desired
• Salt and pepper season to your tastes

For the Parmesan White Sauce (Béchamel):

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose or plain flour
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup fresh shredded parmesan

For the Lasagna:

• 13 oz. 375 g fresh lasagna sheets
• 17 oz. 500 g fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

 

To make the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat some oil in a pot, over medium heat. Then add the onions and carrots. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes until they become soft.
2. Next, add the garlic. Sauté it for around 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the beef and pork (if using) to the pot and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until it browns.
4. Pour in the Passata crushed tomatoes tomato paste, crushed bouillon and dried herbs. Mix everything well to combine and bring it to a simmer.
5. Season with your desired amount of salt, pepper (I usually use 3/4 teaspoon each) and sugar if needed.
6. Cover the pot. Let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes, occasionally stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and the meat becomes tender.

For the Parmesan White Sauce (Béchamel):

1. In a pot melt some butter over medium heat.
2. Remove the pot from the heat source; then add flour to it. Whisk for 30 seconds until well blended.
3. Place the pot back, on low heat; slowly whisk in one cup of milk at a time until well combined.
4. After each addition of milk mix well before adding more until you have used all of the milk ensuring that no lumps are formed.
5. If the sauce is too thick you can add a little milk until it reaches a creamy consistency. Increase the heat to medium. Continue cooking the sauce while stirring occasionally. It should coat the back of your spoon, which usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes. Once it reaches that point you can add in the parmesan cheese. Take it off the heat. Remember to season with salt and pepper mixing until the cheese melts completely.

Now let's assemble everything:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Start by spooning 1 cup of meat sauce, onto the base of a baking dish measuring 9x13 inches. Cover this layer with lasagna sheets cutting them if necessary to fit over the meat. Then create layers using around 2 cups of meat sauce (or enough to cover the pasta) followed by 1 cup of sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers more keeping aside some mozzarella for topping.
2. For your final layer pour over any remaining meat and white sauces onto lasagna sheets before sprinkling with the leftover mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until brown and bubbling deliciously.
3. Once done baking you can garnish your lasagna with parsley, for added freshness before letting it rest for around 10 minutes. This resting period allows everything to settle nicely before slicing into portions and serving.

Notes

To ensure that this delicious lasagna is gluten-free make sure all the ingredients you use including the lasagna sheets are certified as gluten-free. Choose lasagna sheets made from rice, corn or other grains that are free of gluten. Additionally replace the all-purpose or plain flour, in the Parmesan White Sauce (Béchamel) with a blend of gluten-free flour or a single type of gluten-free flour, like rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour. These simple substitutions will allow you to savor the flavors without worrying about gluten.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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