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Savory Lasagna alla Bolognese

Savory Lasagna alla Bolognese: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight

This Savory Lasagna alla Bolognese is a heartfelt expression of tradition and warmth.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil substitute with vegetable oil for a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons butter use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version
  • 1 onion chopped; shallots can be used for a milder flavor
  • 1 carrot chopped; substitute with bell peppers for a different base flavor
  • 1 celery chopped; can omit if unavailable
  • 1 pound ground beef substitute with ground turkey or a mix of mushrooms for a vegetarian option
  • 28 ounces canned tomatoes crushed tomatoes create the saucy foundation
  • 1 cup beef broth swap with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste can be replaced with additional canned tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano fresh oregano works as a substitute
  • salt and pepper amplify the flavor; adjust to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour use cornstarch for a gluten-free option
  • 3 cups milk use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free variation
For the Lasagna
  • lasagna noodles cooked until al dente; gluten-free noodles can be used
  • grated Parmigiano-Reggiano substitute with grated mozzarella or a vegan cheese blend
  • grated cheese for topping, use your favorite cheeses
  • béchamel sauce provides creaminess and binds layers together

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped carrot, and 1 chopped celery stalk, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef into the skillet with the softened vegetables. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat apart as it cooks for about 8-10 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Stir in one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, letting the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
  4. In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, cooking it for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 3 cups of milk while whisking continuously, allowing the mixture to thicken for approximately 5-7 minutes until creamy.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. In a deep baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce, then place cooked lasagna noodles over it. Spoon some béchamel sauce on top, followed by a sprinkling of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Repeat this layering process, finishing with a final layer of béchamel and a generous topping of cheese.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown beautifully.
  8. Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing for perfect serving. Fresh ingredients and balancing sauce layers are key.

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