Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of a Classic Lasagna Bolognese, a dish that embodies the heart of Italian cuisine. This recipe guides you through creating a layered masterpiece, from the slow-simmered Bolognese sauce to the perfectly baked, cheesy finish. This Classic Lasagna Bolognese is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Get ready to savor each bite of this delicious, satisfying baked dish!
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s set the scene. Imagine a warm, inviting kitchen, filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes and rich meat sauce. This Classic Lasagna Bolognese recipe promises a culinary journey that’s as rewarding as it is delicious. This Classic Lasagna Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in.
Let’s start with the recipe overview, outlining the time commitment and difficulty level. This Classic Lasagna Bolognese is simpler than you think!
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Difficulty | Medium |
Now, let’s gather the ingredients for our Classic Lasagna Bolognese. This Classic Lasagna Bolognese recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp olive oil | |
| 1 large onion, finely chopped | |
| 2 carrots, finely chopped | |
| 2 celery stalks, finely chopped | |
| 1 lb ground beef | |
| 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes | |
| 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce | |
| 1 cup beef broth | |
| 1 tsp dried oregano | |
| 1 tsp dried basil | |
| 1/2 tsp salt | |
| 1/4 tsp black pepper | |
| 9 lasagna noodles | |
| 15 oz ricotta cheese | |
| 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese | |
| 1 egg, lightly beaten | |
| 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley | |
| 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese |
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor of your Classic Lasagna Bolognese will become.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of Bolognese sauce and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, Bolognese sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining lasagna noodles and the remaining Bolognese sauce. Sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the Classic Lasagna Bolognese to set and makes it easier to serve.
This Classic Lasagna Bolognese is best served fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is best done in the oven or microwave. This Classic Lasagna Bolognese is a recipe that improves with time, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time!
For an even richer flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Bolognese sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef. Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina. No matter how you choose to customize it, this Classic Lasagna Bolognese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. This Classic Lasagna Bolognese is incredibly versatile.
