Traditional Layered Beef Lasagna

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make meat sauce: Brown beef and pork in a large pot over medium heat, breaking apart. Add onion and garlic; cook 4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 30 minutes.
2. Make béchamel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for 1 minute. Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking constantly. Simmer gently until smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Butter a 23x33 cm baking dish.
4. Assemble: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on bottom. Layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella. Repeat for 3-4 layers.
5. Finish top layer with noodles, remaining béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
6. Cover loosely with foil; bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-25 minutes more until bubbling and deep golden.
7. Rest 15 minutes before slicing so the layers set cleanly.

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

• Authentic Italian béchamel sauce delivers creamier texture than ricotta
• Slow-cooked meat sauce develops incredible savory depth
• Bubbling golden cheese crust on top
• Feeds a hungry family with delicious leftovers

🔄 Delicious Variations

• Vegetable Lasagna: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach
• Ricotta Style: Swap béchamel for whole-milk ricotta beaten with egg and herbs
• Spicy Lasagna: Add hot Italian sausage and chili flakes to the meat sauce

❓ Frequently Asked Questions