Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug straight from an Italian kitchen, you’ve got to try this Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey mozzarella layered between tender noodles. This recipe balances hearty flavors with a velvety texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this, it will become your go-to for family dinners or special occasions that call for something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building those rich layers of flavor and texture that make this lasagna exceptional. From the savory ground beef to the silky béchamel, every component is essential for that classic Italian comfort food magic.
- Lasagna noodles (9, no-boil or traditional): Your foundation, tender yet firm to hold all the layers together beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 lb, 80% lean): Provides hearty, meaty depth with just the right amount of fat to keep it juicy.
- Medium onion (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and a fragrant bite to the meat sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): For that unmistakable aromatic punch that’s essential in Italian cooking.
- Canned San Marzano tomatoes (28 oz): These tomatoes bring a naturally sweet and rich flavor to your Bolognese.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Creates the creamy béchamel sauce that ties everything together.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Used to start the béchamel, adding smooth richness without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (4 tbsp): Thickens the béchamel into that luscious, silky sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing the flavors perfectly throughout the dish.
- Nutmeg (1 tsp, optional): A little secret that enriches the béchamel with subtle warmth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that adds gooey indulgence.
How to Make Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Meat Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to work its magic once your layers are assembled. Then, in a skillet over medium heat, warm a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it turns translucent and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the meat browns evenly. Stir in the canned San Marzano tomatoes along with salt and pepper, letting this rich, hearty Bolognese sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes to develop deep, comforting flavors.
Step 2: Whip Up the Béchamel Sauce
While your meat sauce simmers, it’s time to create the béchamel envelope that will cradle the layers. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking it until it’s golden and smells nutty. Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuing to whisk, allowing the sauce to thicken smoothly without lumps. Season it with salt and just a touch of nutmeg for that classic, subtle warmth—this step is key to the silky texture in your Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Grab your baking dish and begin layering: start with a generous spoonful of the meat sauce, then add a layer of noodles, followed by a coating of the creamy béchamel. Repeat this layering process until all your ingredients are used, finishing off with a thick blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This layering is where the magic happens, combining all the flavors to melt into one unforgettable dish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your assembled lasagna with foil to keep it moist, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil so the mozzarella can brown beautifully, and bake for another 20 minutes until it bubbles and turns golden. This final bake is what gives your lasagna that irresistible crust and luscious melt that everyone will love.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your lasagna cool slightly for about 10 minutes to allow the layers to set. This makes it easier to cut perfect slices and brings out the full harmony of flavors in this Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe.
How to Serve Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens every bite. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over the top can also enhance that cheesy goodness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this rich lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also complements the robust flavors without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized experience. Alternatively, layering the lasagna in a glass baking dish lets guests admire the beautiful strata before digging in, making your Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna is a blessing, and storing it properly helps you enjoy its flavors the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual portions or the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen lasagna can be kept for up to 3 months and makes for a fantastic ready-made comfort meal.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to avoid drying out. If reheating individual slices, microwaving with a damp paper towel on top helps retain moisture and keeps your lasagna just as delicious as the first night.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles work wonderfully and save you a step, soaking up moisture perfectly during baking for tender layers without extra prep.
Is it necessary to use whole milk for the béchamel?
Whole milk is best for a creamy, rich béchamel, but you can substitute with 2% milk in a pinch—just keep an eye on the sauce thickness and adjust as needed.
Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?
Yes, ground pork or a beef-pork blend can add extra flavor and moisture to your Bolognese, giving it a slightly different but equally delicious profile.
How long can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to compensate for the cold dish.
What if I don’t have San Marzano tomatoes?
While San Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard for their natural sweetness and low acidity, any high-quality canned whole tomatoes will do just fine to keep your Bolognese sauce flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort, tradition, and incredible flavor that brings people together around the table. Once you’ve made it, you’ll understand why it earns its name as the best ever. So roll up your sleeves and give it a try—you’re about to create a dish that feels like pure love in every bite!
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Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Best-Ever Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian comfort food featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, tender lasagna noodles, and melted mozzarella cheese. With a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures, this homemade lasagna makes an ideal hearty meal for family gatherings or special occasions. The recipe uses a stovetop to prepare the sauces and an oven to bake the assembled dish for a bubbly, golden finish.
Ingredients
Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or traditional)
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt to taste
Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the lasagna after assembly.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, heat a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned. Stir in the canned San Marzano tomatoes along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a separate saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking it until it turns a golden brown color. Gradually add the whole milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps and to thicken the sauce. Season with salt and nutmeg if using, and keep the sauce warm.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, start layering by spreading some of the meat sauce on the bottom. Follow with a layer of lasagna noodles, then cover with béchamel sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel topped generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can use either no-boil or traditional lasagna noodles. If using traditional noodles, boil them according to package instructions before assembling.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk in the béchamel and 80% lean beef for the meat sauce.
- Nutmeg in the béchamel is optional but adds a lovely subtle warmth.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Fresh basil or parsley can be used as a garnish for added color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
