Hearty Oven-Baked Beef Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce
This is an AI-generated recipe that combines common cooking techniques and ingredients. It follows traditional culinary principles but has not been kitchen-tested. Please adjust cooking times and seasonings based on your experience and preferences.
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Total Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine
Italian
Category
Main Course
Description
This Hearty Oven-Baked Beef Lasagna is a comforting dish that features layers of perfectly seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel, all nestled between sheets of tender pasta. The combination of flavors and textures makes this lasagna a standout, with its savory meat filling and luscious cheese topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Originating from Italy, lasagna is a beloved classic that has been adapted in countless ways. Our version uses a blend of ground beef and pork for depth of flavor, while the béchamel sauce adds a creamy richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Serve this lasagna at family gatherings or special occasions, and enjoy it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g ground beef
- 250g ground pork
- 800g canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 50g butter
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 500ml milk
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Assembly
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 200g mozzarella cheese, grated
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a large baking dish with a little olive oil.
Making the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
Add ground beef and pork, cook until browned.
Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assembly and Baking
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Spread a layer of meat sauce in the baking dish, top with lasagna sheets, then béchamel sauce.
Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake for 40 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Chef's Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce.
- Use fresh lasagna sheets for a quicker cooking time.
Nutrition Information
Serving_size
1 slice
Calories
450
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
20g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
800mg
Saturated_fat
10g
Cholesterol
70mg
*Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations
Vegetarian Lasagna
Replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Lasagna
Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Lasagna
Increase the mozzarella and add ricotta cheese between layers for an extra cheesy lasagna.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Shelf
Not recommended for shelf storage.