Homemade Lasagna With Minced Meat

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce (Ragu):

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture). Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.

Once the meat is cooked, pour in the red wine (if using) and let it cook for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds tons of flavor!

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and let the sauce cook gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich and flavorful.

If you like a creamier ragu, you can stir in some milk or cream at the end, just to mellow out the acidity and add a smooth finish.

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce):

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux (a thick paste). Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional) for added flavor. Once thickened, remove from the heat and set aside.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

If you’re using dried lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to add a pinch of salt to the water and stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.

Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

If you’re using fresh lasagna sheets, you can skip this step as they do not need to be pre-cooked.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

Now it’s time to layer your lasagna! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or butter.

Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking. Next, place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly.

Spread a generous layer of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by a few dollops of béchamel sauce. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and then spoon a few dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the sauce. Repeat the layering process until you’ve used up all the ingredients, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and a good amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake the Lasagna:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your homemade lasagna with a simple salad and garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.

Tips for the Best Lasagna:

1. Make Ahead: Lasagna is the perfect dish to make ahead. You can assemble it a day or two in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
2. Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and prevents the sauce from running out when you cut into it.
3. Customize Your Fillings: While this recipe calls for beef and pork, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
4. Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or even some fontina or provolone cheese for extra meltiness and flavor.
5. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since lasagna relies on a few key ingredients, using high-quality cheese, tomatoes, and meats will elevate the flavor of the dish significantly.

Conclusion:

Homemade lasagna with minced meat is a dish that’s guaranteed to impress, whether you’re cooking for family or friends. The layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melty cheese create a comforting, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a dish. This classic recipe is both hearty and flavorful, with a depth of taste that comes from slow-cooking the meat sauce and baking everything to perfection.

The best part? It’s perfect for making ahead, which means you can enjoy this Italian favorite any day of the week with minimal effort. Once you try this homemade lasagna, you might just find yourself making it again and again. Enjoy!