Million Dollar Lasagna

Here’s a full, detailed recipe for making a delicious homemade Classic Italian Lasagna like the one in the image.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce (Ragù)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 can (400g/14oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warm
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Assembly

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add the ground beef (or beef/pork mix) and cook until browned. Break it into small crumbles.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well.
6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf before using.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until light golden brown.
3. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
5. Season with salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
3. Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
4. Spread some béchamel sauce, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
5. Sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel sauce and cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
• Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna! ️