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Lasagna Best Bolognese

Lasagna Best Bolognese: Comfort Food That Warms the Heart

Lasagna Best Bolognese is a comforting dish with layers of savory meat sauce and creamy béchamel that impresses dinner guests.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Ragu
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for sautéing the soffritto; extra virgin adds richness.
  • 1 large Yellow Onion Provides sweetness to the soffritto; shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 2 medium Carrots Adds natural sweetness to the sauce; substitute with parsnips for a different touch.
  • 2 stalks Celery Complements the soffritto base; omit if unavailable.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20) The main protein for Ragu, bringing depth; ground turkey offers a leaner option.
  • 1 pound Ground Pork or Italian Sausage Adds richness; ground chicken can be a lighter substitute.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor; fresh is preferred, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Dry Red Wine (Chianti or Merlot) Adds acidity and depth; use broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • 2 cans Crushed Tomatoes Base for Ragu; high-quality tomatoes yield the best consistency.
  • 1 cup Beef Stock Low sodium enhances the flavor without overwhelming saltiness; vegetable stock is great for a vegetarian twist.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Tenderizes the meat in the Ragu; avoid low-fat for a richer effect.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Essential seasoning; fresh herbs make a delightful alternative.
For the Béchamel
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Base for the roux essential to thicken the sauce.
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Combines with butter to create the roux.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk (for Béchamel) Should be warmed first for smooth incorporation; critical for a creamy texture.
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg A key spice in Béchamel that adds warmth; optional but enhances flavor.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Adds creaminess; whole milk ricotta is best for texture.
  • 1 large Egg Binds the ricotta layer together; a flax egg works well for a vegan version.
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Enhances layers with its salty flavor; pecorino can be substituted.
  • 2 cups Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese Brings a delightful melty top layer; avoid fresh mozzarella for this recipe.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Separate saucepan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground pork to the skillet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is deeply browned and crumbled.
  3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium, adding 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and stirring for about 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in 1 cup of dry red wine, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of beef stock, and 1 cup of whole milk into the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste, and bring this mixture to a low boil.
  5. Step 5: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving the ragu uncovered for 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
  6. Step 6: In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
  7. Step 7: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warmed whole milk, continuing until the sauce thickens, and finally, season with a pinch of nutmeg and salt.
  8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a baking dish, start layering by spreading a thin layer of the ragu on the bottom. Follow with lasagna noodles, a layer of ricotta mixed with one egg, a smooth Béchamel layer, and shredded mozzarella.
  9. Step 9: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Afterwards, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  10. Step 10: Once baked, allow the lasagna to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Lasagna Best Bolognese is perfect for batch cooking or making ahead, providing delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.

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