🍝 How to make authentic Italian lasagna with minced meat: layers of rich flavor! 🇮🇹✨

🥄 Introduction

Lasagna is one of the most popular Italian dishes around the world, characterized by its rich layers of meat, sauce, and melted cheese.
If you’re looking for a guaranteed lasagna recipe with a gourmet restaurant-style taste, this classic recipe combines flavor with ease.

👩‍🍳 Ingredients

Meat sauce (ragu):

• 500 grams of minced meat (beef or a mixture of beef and lamb)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 grated carrot (optional)
• 400 grams of crushed tomatoes (or ready-made tomato sauce)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• A pinch of sugar (to adjust the acidity of the tomatoes)

Bechamel sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups warm milk
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional ingredients:

• Lasagna sheets (prepared or fresh)
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🥄 Preparation method

1. Prepare the meat sauce:

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan, then add the onions and stir until wilted.
2. Add the garlic, then the minced meat and stir until it changes color.
3. Add the grated carrots (optional), then the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar.
4. Let the mixture simmer for 20–30 minutes until it thickens.

2. Prepare the béchamel sauce:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter, add the flour and stir for a minute until combined.
2. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously so that it does not curdle.
3. Continue stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

3. Assemble the lasagna:

1. In a baking tray, place a layer of béchamel sauce, then lasagna sheets.
2. Add a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of béchamel, then a layer of cheese.
3. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing the surface with a layer of béchamel and cheese.

4. Bread:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

🍽️ Presentation

Serve lasagna hot with a green salad or garlic bread.

🎥 “How to make simple meat lasagna with a distinctive taste” 👉

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use lasagna without boiling?
Yes, some ready-made versions are designed to be baked directly, just make sure to coat them well with sauce so they soften during baking.

Can lasagna be frozen?
Yes, it can be assembled in advance and frozen before baking, then baked straight from the freezer.

Can you substitute vegetables for meat?
Of course, you can use grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms instead of meat.