Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese. This quick and easy lasagna recipe brings together the best of Italian flavors with minimal effort, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings. With a flavorful meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and plenty of cheese, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of a blend of fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary) or 2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste (about 1 tsp)
- 1 kilogram of ground meat (either beef or lamb)
- 800 g chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup water
For the Béchamel/White Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cups cold milk
Additional Ingredients:
- Lasagna sheets (no-boil or regular)
- 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, fresh herbs (or dried Italian seasoning), chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat to the pan and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Make the Béchamel (White) Sauce:
- In another pan, heat 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until fully melted.
- Once melted, add the flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
- Gradually pour in the cold milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce, whisking frequently, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with a pinch of salt and nutmeg, then set the béchamel aside.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a light layer of meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce, ensuring they slightly overlap.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce over the lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauces.
- Repeat the layering process (lasagna sheets, meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce on top.
4. Top with Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the top layer with grated Parmesan cheese and any remaining cheddar.
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Take off the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden and starts to bubble.
5. Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.
Conclusion:
This quick and easy lasagna recipe delivers layers of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and rich cheese, making it the perfect dish for a comforting family dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this simple recipe is bound to impress with its rich flavors and delicious texture. Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!