Classic Lasagna with Bechamel

Classic Lasagna with Bechamel

Lasagna is a classic comfort food that never fails to impress. This recipe, featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, is a must-try for any pasta lover. Here’s how to make this delicious dish from scratch.

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Ingredients

Lasagna:

• 12 oz lasagna noodles (12 sheets dry lasagna noodles)
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 oz parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Marinara:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 28 oz crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 12 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

Bechamel Sauce:

• 3 cups milk (any variety)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp white pepper

Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb hot Italian sausages, casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• 1 batch marinara sauce

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Directions

Marinara Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high flame.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Reduce heat to medium, then add tomato paste, red wine (if using), sugar, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in crushed San Marzano tomatoes and basil. Simmer until the sauce reduces slightly, about 20 minutes. Adjust salt to taste and blend for a smoother texture, if desired.

Bechamel Sauce:

1. Warm the milk in a separate saucepan.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add flour, salt, and white pepper, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
4. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.

Meat Sauce:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add fennel seeds and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft.
3. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks.
4. Pulse the cooked meat mixture in a food processor for a finer texture, if desired.
5. Combine the meat mixture with the prepared marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes.

Assembly:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Soak the lasagna noodles in hot water for 20 minutes to soften.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
5. Add a layer of lasagna noodles over the meat sauce.
6. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the noodles.
7. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
8. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

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Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Calories: 870 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6 servings

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This Classic Lasagna with Béchamel is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy textures of this delightful dish!

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Feel free to share your experience or any variations you made in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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