Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of rich, flavorful meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This quick and easy lasagna recipe is perfect for when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to be a hit with 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 kg ground meat (beef or mutton)
- 800g 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)
- 200g shredded cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce : Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili flakes, black pepper, and herbs or Italian seasoning, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until the meat is fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and 1 cup of water. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce : In a medium saucepan, warm the butter over medium heat until it melts. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Slowly pour in the cold milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add a pinch of nutmeg and salt. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce, ensuring they cover the entire surface. 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 béchamel. Repeat the layering process (lasagna sheets, meat sauce, béchamel, cheese) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna : Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil and cook in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If using regular lasagna sheets, you may need to bake for a total of 45-50 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy : Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting period helps the layers firm up, making it easier to slice into clean portions. Serve it warm, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Conclusion:
This Quick and Easy Lasagna is the perfect blend of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese. It’s a classic dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser, and with this recipe, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of lasagna without the fuss. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.