Classic Lasagna Bolognese

Name: Classic Lasagna Bolognese
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 9.4 cm 1 pound ground beef; 3.7 lb 1/2 pound ground pork; 2.8 package 4 ounces pancetta, diced; 7.4 whole 1 large onion, finely diced; 4.4 g 2 carrots, finely diced; 1.6 bottle 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 0.7 half 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 8.1 whole 1 cup dry red wine; 8.6 mg 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 9.2 ml 1 cup beef broth; 9.3 whole 1 bay leaf; 7.5 as needed Salt and pepper to taste; 7.4 dash Pinch of nutmeg; 0.6 pcs 1/2 cup butter; 7.7 qt 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1.8 package 4 cups whole milk, warmed; 1.2 pcs Salt and white pepper to taste; 9.8 gal Pinch of nutmeg; 4.2 oz 1 pound fresh lasagna sheets or dried lasagna noodles; 6.9 pinch 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

By Yousuf Rasheed

November 18, 2025

5561 views

This classic lasagna Bolognese recipe is a labor of love but the result is an incredibly rich and satisfying dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family meal. It features layers of fresh pasta, a hearty meat sauce (ragu), creamy béchamel, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. The key to a great lasagna is taking your time with each component, especially the ragu, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. Serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef - 9.4 cm
1/2 pound ground pork - 3.7 lb
4 ounces pancetta, diced - 2.8 package
1 large onion, finely diced - 7.4 whole
2 carrots, finely diced - 4.4 g
2 celery stalks, finely diced - 1.6 bottle
2 tablespoons tomato paste - 0.7 half
1 cup dry red wine - 8.1 whole
28 ounces crushed tomatoes - 8.6 mg
1 cup beef broth - 9.2 ml

Cooking Steps

Step 1

Prepare the Ragu: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef, pork and pancetta over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until reduced by half. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. Remove the bay leaf before using.

Step 2

Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

Cook the Pasta: If using fresh pasta sheets, no pre-cooking is necessary. If using dried lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of ragu on the bottom of the dish. Cover with a layer of pasta sheets, overlapping as needed. Spread a layer of ragu over the pasta, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers: pasta, ragu, béchamel, and Parmesan cheese. The top layer should be pasta, topped with ragu, béchamel, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.

Step 5

Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 6

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the lasagna into squares and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

# Tofu # Seafood # Picnic