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This Authentic Italian Lasagna Recipe made is by layering noodles with bolognese sauce, cheese, and bechamel. Delicious for dinner and celebrations.
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Authentic Italian Lasagna Recipe

This Authentic Italian Lasagna Recipe made is by layering noodles with bolognese sauce, cheese, and bechamel. Delicious for dinner and celebrations.
Course Entree
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8 -10 servings
Author Tiffany Bendayan

Ingredients

For Bolognese Sauce

  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and small diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 inches parmesan cheese rind
  • 28 oz of crushed tomatoes or 1 jar of prepared tomato sauce
  • Salt + Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

For Bechamel Sauce

  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk warm
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • Salt to taste

Assembly

  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Lasagna noodles either quick cook or regular ones
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  • For Bolognese Sauce
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (I used a dutch oven)
  • Add the onions and carrots. Season with salt and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions have softened
  • Add oregano, basil, and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes
  • Add the beef and increase the heat
  • Cook the beef until browned, make sure you break up the beef into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper
  • Drain the excess liquid and add the wine. Cook until the wine has reduced by half.
  • Add the bay leaves, tomato paste, water, parmesan cheese rind, and the crushed tomatoes (or prepared tomato sauce). Mix well
  • When sauce starts to boil, reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 1-2 hours partially covered
  • Check it every once in a while to make sure the sauce hasn't dried. If that happens simply add more liquid.
  • Check for seasoning and serve with hot pasta and parmesan cheese
  • For Bechamel Sauce
  • Warm the milk in the microwave
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat
  • When the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk until incorporated and the flour is cooked (about 45 seconds to 1 minute)
  • Add the warm milk and whisk vigorously to avoid lumps
  • Keep whisking until the sauce starts getting thick and creamy.
  • When it boils, remove from heat and add the cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until combined
  • Assembly:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Cook noodles according to packages instructions and drain
  • Spray a 9x13" rectangular dish with nonstick spray
  • Cover the bottom of the dish with lasagna noodles
  • Add 1/2 of the beef on top
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
  • Spread 1/3 of bechamel sauce all over
  • Cover with more lasagna noodles
  • Add the rest of the beef
  • Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
  • Spread 1/3 of bechamel sauce all over
  • Cover with more lasagna noodles
  • Pour the rest of the bechamel sauce
  • Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
  • Add the parmesan cheese
  • Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray
  • Cover the lasagna with the aluminum foil
  • Bake for 45-60 minutes or until bubbly
  • Uncover lasagna and broil until the top browns
  • Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting
  • Enjoy!