
Prepare the meat sauce: In a large pot, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
It was okay. I was expecting a bit more flavor, but it was pretty good. I might try a different type of cheese next time to see if it improves the taste.
This lasagna is amazing! My family loved it. The combination of the meat sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella was perfect. A true classic!