Ingredients:
Meat Sauce:
– 1 lb (450g) minced beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Béchamel Sauce:
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (250ml) milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
Assembly:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup (250g) grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Meat Sauce:
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until softened.
3. Add minced beef; cook until browned, breaking into small pieces.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes.
Béchamel Sauce:
1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously; bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Assembly:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce.
5. Spread half of the Béchamel sauce over the noodles.
6. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, noodles, Béchamel sauce, and cheese.
8. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Brush the edges of the baking dish with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
10. Cover with aluminum foil; bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove foil; continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
– Calories: 540
– Protein: 35g
– Fat: 30g
– Saturated fat: 15g
– Cholesterol: 60mg
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 5g
– Sodium: 450mg
Note: Nutrition estimates may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.