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Authentic Lasagna Bolognese

Delve into the layers of flavor with Authentic Lasagna Bolognese, a comforting dish that brings everyone around the table.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 4 oz pancetta, finely chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red wine (or beef broth)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
  • 12 lasagna noodles (fresh or dried)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
  1. In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and let it cook until crispy.
  2. Toss in the ground beef and pork. Break it up as it cooks until it turns a beautiful brown.
  3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until everything softens.
  4. Pour in the red wine and let it reduce by half.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, milk, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Let that simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until it forms a smooth paste. Cook it for about 2 minutes.
  2. Gradually add the milk, whisking to fend off lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles
  1. If you’re using dried noodles, cook them according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce in a large baking dish.
  2. Layer on your lasagna noodles, then add a portion of the Bolognese sauce, a layer of béchamel sauce, and sprinkle Parmesan on top. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel and a generous amount of Parmesan.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  4. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Serve with a side of garlicky bread and a salad topped with tangy dressing. You can sprinkle fresh basil on top for extra flavor.