lasagna Bolognese

Here’s a classic and hearty Lasagna Bolognese recipe — layers of tender pasta, rich meaty ragù, creamy béchamel, and grated Parmesan. This traditional Italian comfort dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend meal.

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🇮🇹 Lasagna alla Bolognese (Lasagne alla Bolognese)

🕒 Total Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours

🍽️ Serves: 6–8

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Ragù Bolognese:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely chopped

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 500g ground beef (or beef & pork mix)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 800g canned crushed tomatoes or passata

• 1/2 cup red wine (optional but traditional)

• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg (a pinch)

• 1 cup whole milk or cream (softens acidity)

• Fresh or dried thyme, bay leaf, or oregano (optional)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1/4 cup (30g) flour

• 3 cups milk, warm

• Salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

Other:

• 9–12 sheets of lasagna noodles (fresh or no-boil preferred)

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Optional: 1 cup mozzarella, shredded, for extra melt

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🔪 Instructions

1. Make the Ragù (Bolognese Sauce)

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until soft.

2. Add garlic, then the ground meat. Cook until browned.

3. Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze with wine if using.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and herbs. Simmer 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add milk/cream toward the end.

2. Prepare Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

2. Gradually whisk in warm milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Spread a little ragù in the bottom of a baking dish (9×13 in).

3. Layer noodles → ragù → béchamel → Parmesan. Repeat 3–4 layers.

4. Finish with béchamel and generous Parmesan on top. Add mozzarella if desired.

4. Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

• Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

5. Rest and Serve

• Let lasagna rest 15–20 minutes before slicing.

• Garnish with basil or more Parmesan if desired.

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🍷 Pairs Well With:

• A bold Italian red wine (Chianti, Barolo)

• Green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Garlic bread

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Would you like a make-ahead or vegetarian version of this lasagna?