lasagna Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish known for its rich flavors and layered structure. The dish begins with the preparation of Bolognese sauce, a hearty meat-based sauce that is the cornerstone of this lasagna. Typically, it’s made by slowly cooking ground beef and pork (or sometimes veal) with onions, celery, and carrots, which have been finely chopped to release their sweet, earthy flavors. This mixture is then simmered with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, creating a deep, complex flavor. Some recipes also include a splash of red wine for added richness.

While the sauce simmers and develops its flavors, a béchamel sauce is prepared. This creamy, white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, is seasoned with a hint of nutmeg. It adds a smooth, velvety layer to the lasagna that balances the robustness of the Bolognese.

The assembly of the lasagna is an art in itself. It begins with a layer of Bolognese sauce at the bottom of a baking dish, followed by sheets of lasagna noodles. These noodles can be either the traditional boiled type or the no-boil variety that cooks in the oven. Over the noodles, a layer of béchamel sauce is spread, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This process is repeated, creating multiple layers that build up the dish’s signature structure.

Once assembled, the lasagna is baked in the oven. The heat works its magic, melding the flavors together and cooking the noodles to perfection. The top layer of cheese becomes golden and slightly crisp, adding a delightful texture to each bite. The baking time is crucial as it allows the layers to set, making the lasagna easier to slice.

Serving Lasagna Bolognese is a treat. Each portion reveals the stratified layers, with the creamy béchamel, the meaty Bolognese, the tender pasta, and the melted Parmesan all playing their part. It’s often accompanied by a simple green salad and a crusty piece of bread, making it a hearty, satisfying meal. The flavors are rich and comforting, with the meat sauce offering umami and depth, the béchamel adding creaminess, and the cheese providing a sharp, salty counterpoint. This dish is not just food; it’s a culinary experience that embodies the essence of Italian home cooking.

Ingredients

9 lasagna noodles

1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

1 pound (450 grams) ground pork

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 can (28 ounces/800 grams) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup beef or vegetable broth

1/2 cup red wine (optional)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, and red wine (if using). Mix well.

Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the Bolognese sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread a layer of the Bolognese sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of Bolognese sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Slice the lasagna into portions and serve it hot. Enjoy your ultimate lasagna Bolognese!

Enjoy !