Name: Lasagna Bolognese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).; In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.; Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is softened.; Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.; Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.; In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.; In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by the ricotta cheese mixture, more sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.; Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.; Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Introduction

Lasagna Bolognese is a rich and flavorful Italian classic that brings together layers of perfectly cooked pasta, a savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese for an irresistible meal. This hearty dish, with its deep layers of flavor, is perfect for a cozy family dinner or serving at a special gathering. The Bolognese sauce, made with ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of fragrant herbs, adds a robust and savory foundation to the dish. Layered with rich ricotta cheese, melted mozzarella, and grated Parmesan, each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Making lasagna might seem like a labor of love, but the results are well worth the effort. With its comforting, filling nature, Lasagna Bolognese has earned its place as a timeless favorite in households around the world. It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for future meals. This recipe will walk you through creating the perfect lasagna with a homemade Bolognese sauce that is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Italian Comfort Food: Lasagna Bolognese brings the comforting flavors of Italy right to your dinner table with every bite.
Layers of Flavor: From the savory Bolognese sauce to the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, this lasagna is packed with delicious layers that are sure to satisfy.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this lasagna is the perfect dish to impress guests.
Make-Ahead Meal: Lasagna Bolognese is great for preparing in advance. It can be made a day ahead or frozen for later use, saving you time when you need it.
Filling and Hearty: With its combination of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce, this lasagna is filling and guaranteed to keep everyone at the table happy.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Lasagna noodles
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian version of lasagna.
Different Meat: Use ground turkey or pork for a variation on the traditional Bolognese sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy twist on the classic.
Add Bechamel Sauce: For a creamier lasagna, layer in some homemade béchamel sauce in addition to the ricotta for a richer texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set this mixture aside for layering.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the Bolognese sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of Bolognese sauce. Repeat this process, adding another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and the rest of the Bolognese sauce. Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the lasagna has cooled slightly, slice it into squares and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Lasagna Bolognese with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Prevent Soggy Lasagna: Be sure to cook the noodles until just al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft when baked.
Drain Excess Water from the Noodles: After cooking, lay the noodles out on a clean towel to absorb any excess water before layering them.
Use Full-Fat Cheese: For the richest flavor and creamiest texture, opt for full-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Layer Smartly: Make sure to spread the cheese mixture evenly, and use enough sauce between layers to keep the lasagna moist.

How to Serve

Lasagna Bolognese is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also serve it with garlic bread or freshly baked baguette slices to soak up the extra sauce. For a truly Italian experience, add a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, to complement the flavors of the Bolognese sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Lasagna Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

Lasagna Bolognese freezes wonderfully. After baking, allow the lasagna to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat leftover lasagna, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze the lasagna before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap and foil, and bake it from frozen, adding about 30 extra minutes of cook time.

3. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used. Just make sure there is enough sauce to hydrate the noodles as it bakes.

4. Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?

Yes, feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the layers for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

5. How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?

Ensure the meat sauce is thickened properly, and avoid overcooking the noodles. You can also drain excess liquid from the ricotta cheese mixture before layering.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses, like provolone, gouda, or even a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for a unique twist.

7. Can I make this lasagna without meat?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or add more vegetables for a vegetarian version.

8. How can I make the lasagna spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat sauce to give the lasagna a spicy kick.

9. How long does the lasagna need to bake?

Bake for 25 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes to get a golden, bubbly top.

10. How do I reheat frozen lasagna?

Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge, then bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 30-45 minutes, until it’s heated through.

Conclusion

Lasagna Bolognese is the epitome of comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. With its layers of pasta, savory Bolognese sauce, and creamy cheese, it’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing a dish for a special occasion, this lasagna will be a hit. With tips on how to make, store, and reheat it, you can enjoy this comforting meal any time. It’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again for its perfect balance of flavors and satisfying nature.