Sausage Ragù Lasagna with Creamy Béchamel

Lasagna with Sausage Ragù

This hearty and comforting Lasagna with Sausage Ragù is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring a rich and savory sausage ragù paired with a velvety béchamel sauce. Whether you’re preparing a Sunday family meal or looking to impress guests at your next dinner party, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the detailed preparation of this delicious lasagna that serves 6 people.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage Ragù:
   Start by preparing the aromatic base for the ragù. Clean and chop the carrot, onion, and celery into small chunks. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and start to caramelize. This will provide the rich flavor foundation for the sauce.

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2. Cook the Sausage:
   While the vegetables are cooking, take the sausage and remove the casing. Add the sausage to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Increase the heat and use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Allow the sausage to cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s nicely browned.

3. Deglaze with Red Wine:
   Once the sausage is browned, pour in the red wine. Stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine cook down for a few minutes, reducing slightly, and then add the tomato passata. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything together, cover the pan, and let it simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
   While the ragù is simmering, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of nutmeg to the milk for flavor. In another pan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

   Slowly pour the warm milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture, whisking frequently, until it thickens to the consistency of heavy cream. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

5. Assemble the Lasagna:
   Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Grease a 20×30 cm baking dish with a little butter or oil. Start by spreading a thin layer of béchamel sauce at the bottom of the dish. Then, add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by a generous amount of sausage ragù, another layer of béchamel sauce, and a sprinkling of grated Grana Padano cheese. Repeat the layers, alternating the direction of the lasagna sheets with each new layer, until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Finish with a final layer of ragù, béchamel, and Grana Padano.

6. Bake the Lasagna:
   Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 220°C. After 20 minutes, switch the oven to the grill setting at maximum power and cook for an additional 3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top. Keep an eye on the lasagna during this time to avoid burning.

7. Garnish and Serve:
   Once the lasagna is beautifully golden and bubbling, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Just before serving, garnish with fresh sprigs of thyme and oregano for an added burst of fragrance and flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Lasagna with Sausage Ragù is not only a filling and delicious meal, but it also brings together the deep flavors of slow-simmered sausage, rich béchamel, and the cheesy goodness of Grana Padano. It’s the perfect dish for sharing with loved ones, offering a taste of Italy that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Enjoy this traditional recipe, ideal for any occasion, and feel free to adjust the seasoning or ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this lasagna is sure to satisfy!