Lasagna Bolognese is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests with something truly delicious. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and pork, simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce, with layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Each bite is a perfect mix of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. While making lasagna may take some time, the end result is worth every minute of effort, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Serve it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread to complete the meal. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving comfort food, this lasagna Bolognese will surely become a family favorite. The layers of flavor-packed sauce and cheesy goodness are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces/800 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, and red wine (if using). Mix well.
- Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the Bolognese sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread a layer of the Bolognese sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of Bolognese sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutritional Insights & Dietary Considerations:
Lasagna Bolognese is a rich and filling dish, packed with protein and healthy fats from the meats and cheeses. It’s a great source of calcium from the dairy, though it is quite high in calories and saturated fat. It may not be suitable for those following a low-fat or low-calorie diet. The dish contains gluten, dairy, and meat, so it’s not appropriate for those with gluten sensitivities, lactose intolerance, or following a vegetarian or vegan diet. For a lighter version, consider using lean ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative, as well as low-fat cheese options.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring:
We’d love to hear how your lasagna turned out! Feel free to leave a comment below with any creative twists you added to the recipe, or if you have any questions. Sharing your experience not only helps others but also inspires new ways to enjoy this classic dish. Happy cooking!