Homemade Lasagna

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Get ready to dive into layers of rich, savory flavors with this homemade lasagna. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering. This recipe is all about comfort and satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients for Homemade Lasagna

Ground beef and Italian sausage form the savory backbone of our meat sauce, bringing depth and richness. Onion and garlic add aromatic layers, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a thick, tangy sauce, while a splash of red wine adds sophistication and complexity. Our seasonings — basil and oregano, combined with salt and pepper — round out the sauce with classic Italian notes.

Lasagna noodles act as the sturdy structure holding everything together, while mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese introduce a melty, cheesy goodness. The béchamel sauce, made with unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and whole milk, provides a creamy counterpoint to the hearty meat sauce, with a touch of nutmeg for warmth.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandoline to slice your onion finely for even cooking.
  • Layer noodles slightly overlapping to prevent sauce seepage.
  • If the béchamel sauce becomes too thick, just whisk in a bit more milk.
  • Letting the lasagna rest helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this lasagna with a fresh green salad and a loaf of crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of the same red wine used in the sauce can enhance the dining experience. For a touch of freshness, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the day before and refrigerate. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the covered bake time.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! It's best to freeze it unbaked. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

Homemade Lasagna Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, grab a large skillet and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as you go. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.

Add in the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. Sprinkle in the basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally as the flavors meld together.

While that's simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain them and set aside. Meanwhile, prepare the béchamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour until you have a smooth paste, then gradually whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, and finish with a pinch of nutmeg.

Now, assemble the lasagna. Spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Lay down 4 of the noodles, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat these layers twice, ending with a generous cheese layer on top.

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and satisfying with layers of flavors.
  • Perfectly balanced with a mix of meats and creamy béchamel.
  • Great for meal prep — tastes even better the next day!
  • Customizable for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup red wine
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
12 lasagna noodles
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onions and garlic to the meat. Sauté until onions are translucent.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth.
7. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook and stir until thickened. Add a pinch of nutmeg.
8. Spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
9. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the noodles.
10. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
11. Repeat layers twice, ending with a cheese layer.
12. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
13. Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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