Savory Lasagna With Bechamel Recipe: Your Homemade Joy

Crafting a delectable lasagna with bechamel sauce promises a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the heart of Italian comfort food.

Layers of tender pasta embrace rich, creamy sauce and savory fillings.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, blending simple ingredients into something magical.

Soft pasta sheets melt into a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and passion for authentic cooking.

Cheese bubbles seductively, creating golden-brown edges that hint at the deliciousness waiting inside.

Savor this recipe and watch as an ordinary meal becomes an extraordinary experience that connects you with timeless kitchen wisdom.

Creamy Lasagna with Classic Bechamel Sauce

• Savor Layered Luxury: This lasagna offers a gourmet experience with rich, complex flavors that elevate home cooking to restaurant-quality dining.
• Master Complex Cooking: The recipe provides an exciting challenge for home cooks looking to improve their culinary skills with multiple sauce-making techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A perfect dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and special dinners that guarantees smiles and second helpings from everyone at the table.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for variations like adding different meats, vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Checklist for Bechamel Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich base for the Bolognese sauce.
• Ground Pork (Optional): Adds extra depth and richness to the meat sauce.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery, Garlic: A classic flavor base that provides a robust foundation for the Bolognese sauce.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and intensifies the tomato flavor in the sauce.
• Canned Tomatoes: Provides a smooth and rich tomato base for the Bolognese.
• Red Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the meat sauce.

• Bay Leaf, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Essential herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Softens and enriches the Bolognese sauce.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the white sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the Bechamel sauce.
• Warm Milk: The primary liquid component of the Bechamel sauce.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm flavor to the white sauce.

• Lasagna Noodles: The structural foundation of the lasagna.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan: Provides creamy and sharp cheese flavors and a golden, bubbly top.

Stepwise Instructions for Perfect Lasagna

Step 1: Build Bold Bolognese Base

Create a flavor-packed meat sauce by heating olive oil in a large pot.

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Add minced garlic and cook briefly.

Brown ground beef thoroughly, stirring continuously.

• Tomato paste
• Canned tomatoes
• Red wine
• Bay leaf
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Simmer the sauce for 45 minutes, then stir in milk and cook an additional 10 minutes.

Remove bay leaf before next steps.

Step 2: Whip Silky Bechamel Cream

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Create a golden roux by stirring in flour and cooking for 2 minutes.

Slowly incorporate warm milk, whisking constantly until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy texture.

• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 3: Layer Delicious Lasagna Magic

Warm the oven to 375°F.

Begin building your masterpiece in a baking dish by spreading Bolognese sauce on the bottom.

• Lasagna noodles
• Bolognese sauce
• Bechamel sauce
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Finish with a generous topping of bechamel and cheeses.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbling.

Allow the lasagna to rest 10 minutes before serving, letting flavors settle and making slicing easier.

Tips to Achieve a Smooth and Rich Bechamel

• Opt for leaner ground beef or mix beef with ground turkey to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of tomato paste to intensify the Bolognese sauce's rich, complex taste.
• Simmer Bolognese sauce uncovered to thicken naturally or add a small amount of pasta water if too dry.
• Spread sauces evenly and don't overfill layers to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
• Cover lasagna with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent crispy, dried-out edges.

Variations to Customize Your Lasagna

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef with a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Use plant-based meat alternatives or lentils for protein.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or use thinly sliced zucchini as noodle replacements. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Create layers using roasted eggplant or thin cabbage sheets instead of pasta. Reduce tomato content and increase vegetable proportions to lower carbohydrate count.
• Mediterranean-Style Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, add chopped olives, and include fresh herbs like basil and oregano. Use ground lamb instead of beef for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests

• Rustic Italian Feast: Pair this hearty lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up extra sauce and add delicious texture to your dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich Bolognese with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhancing the depth of flavors.
• Family-Style Comfort: Create a cozy dinner atmosphere by serving directly from the baking dish, encouraging shared moments and conversation around the table.

Best Ways to Store Bechamel Lasagna

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What makes the Bolognese sauce authentic?

The traditional Bolognese sauce uses a soffritto base of finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, slowly cooked to develop deep flavor. Adding milk at the end creates a rich, smooth texture typical of classic Italian ragù.

• Can I use different types of meat in the Bolognese?

Yes, you can mix ground beef with ground pork, veal, or pancetta for added depth. The key is using fatty meats that create a more flavorful sauce with rich texture.

• Why do I need to make a roux for bechamel?

The roux (flour and butter mixture) helps thicken the sauce and prevents lumps, creating a smooth, creamy bechamel. Cooking the flour briefly removes the raw flour taste and ensures a silky consistency.

Lasagna With Bechamel Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade lasagna with bechamel sauce delivers classic Italian comfort from generations of culinary tradition. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy white sauce create a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) ground pork

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces or 794 grams) crushed or diced tomatoes
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Craft the robust Bolognese base by gently sautéing finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly, then add ground beef and pork, breaking meat into small crumbles and browning thoroughly.
3. Incorporate tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor profile, then pour in canned tomatoes, red wine, aromatic herbs, and seasonings.
4. Simmer the sauce uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop rich complexity, then stir in milk and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare creamy bechamel by melting butter and creating a smooth roux with flour, whisking continuously to prevent burning.
6. Gradually stream warm milk into roux, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and becomes velvety, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and begin layering lasagna by spreading a thin Bolognese base in a baking dish.
8. Alternate layers of lasagna noodles, Bolognese sauce, bechamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan, ensuring even distribution.
9. Complete final layer with bechamel and generous cheese topping for golden, bubbling surface.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until surface turns golden and crisp.
11. Allow lasagna to rest 10 minutes before serving to help layers set and enhance flavor integration.

Notes

• Enhance the Bolognese’s depth by using a mix of ground meats like beef, pork, and veal for richer flavor complexity.
• Control sauce consistency by simmering Bolognese uncovered to reduce liquid and concentrate taste.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional wheat lasagna noodles with zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Elevate texture by using fresh, high-quality mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded varieties.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 361 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg