Classic Homemade Lasagna

Classic Homemade Lasagna

Introduction:
There’s something heartwarming about a bubbling dish of lasagna pulled straight from the oven. With layers of tender pasta, rich meaty sauce, creamy béchamel, and melty cheese, this Classic Homemade Lasagna is a beloved comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a gathering, or meal prep for the week, lasagna never disappoints. This traditional recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers big, bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

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• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

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• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the béchamel sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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• 3 cups milk (warm)

• Salt, to taste

• A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

For layering:

• 9–12 cooked lasagna noodles (or oven-ready noodles)

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• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the meat sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened.

2. Make the béchamel sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add the warm milk while whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.

3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Assemble the lasagna:
   In a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a round deep dish like the photo), spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by more meat sauce, a layer of béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of béchamel and cheese on top. Sprinkle Parmesan over the final layer.

5. Bake:
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Rest and serve:
   Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to help it set. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

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Conclusion:
This Classic Homemade Lasagna is the definition of cozy, cheesy perfection. Every layer is full of flavor—from the hearty beef sauce to the creamy béchamel and gooey cheese topping. Make it ahead for busy nights, or enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a crisp salad and garlic bread. It’s a timeless recipe that always brings joy, warmth, and full bellies to the table.

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