Hearty Homemade Beef Lasagna with Creamy Béchamel Sauce

Classic Beef Lasagna

This hearty beef lasagna recipe offers layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to perfection. Ideal for family gatherings or a comforting dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Lasagna:

• 6 lbs lasagna pasta

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
• 4 tablespoons ground beef (more if preferred)
• 3 tablespoons Bolognese sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 300 ml milk
• 40 grams grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• Dried oregano to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Begin by boiling the lasagna pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a skillet, melt the margarine or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until it starts to brown. Incorporate the Bolognese sauce, tomato sauce, and water, stirring well.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Simmer until the meat is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Béchamel Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt the margarine over low heat. Stir in the flour, cooking gently to avoid lumps.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • In a heatproof dish, begin layering the lasagna. Start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a single layer of pasta sheets. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the pasta.
   • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce on top.

5. Bake:

   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. It is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add more ground beef or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• If you prefer a crispier top, bake the lasagna uncovered for the last 10 minutes.

Enjoy the comforting layers of beef lasagna, perfect for any occasion!