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Classic Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

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This Classic Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce is a rich, comforting Italian dish layered with hearty meat sauce, creamy béchamel, tender pasta, and melty cheese. It’s a traditional lasagna recipe that’s perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or meal prepping—elegant, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

  • For the meat sauce:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the béchamel sauce:
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For assembly:
  • 9–12 lasagna noodles (fresh or no-boil)
  • 1 ½ cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the meat sauce:
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–30 minutes until thickened.
  6. Make the béchamel sauce:
  7. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  8. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  9. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
  10. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
  11. Assemble the lasagna:
  12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  13. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  14. Layer noodles, more meat sauce, béchamel, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat layers.
  15. Finish with béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
  16. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
  17. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh pasta sheets for a more delicate texture.
  • Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
  • For vegetarian lasagna, omit meat and use roasted vegetables.
  • Letting the lasagna rest helps it set and slice neatly.
  • Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/classic-lasagna-with-bechamel-sauce/