Timeless Italian Comfort: Classic Lasagna with Bechamel Recipe

Layers of rich, savory goodness come together in this classic lasagna with bechamel that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy white sauce intertwines with perfectly seasoned meat, creating a harmony of flavors that speaks to comfort and tradition.

Home cooks have long treasured this Italian-inspired masterpiece for its depth and complexity.

Each bite tells a story of culinary craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Tender pasta sheets nestle between robust meat sauce and silky bechamel, creating a symphony of textures.

Melted cheese adds a golden crown to this delectable dish that turns an ordinary meal into a celebration.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible lasagna.

Cooking Instructions for Classic Lasagna with Bechamel

• Flavor Foundation

Craft a rich marinara sauce by sizzling garlic in oil, then introducing wine, tomato paste, and herbs. Let the mixture simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for about 20 minutes.

• Creamy Blanc Canvas

Create a silky bechamel sauce by gently melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly incorporating warm milk until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, smooth liquid.

• Meaty Symphony

Brown fragrant fennel seeds and spices, then sauté aromatic onions and garlic. Add ground meats and blend into a hearty sauce that will become the soul of your lasagna.

• Elegant Layering

Prepare delicate pasta sheets by soaking them briefly. Build your lasagna like an architectural masterpiece, alternating sauces, tender noodles, and generous cheese layers. Each stratum should tell a delicious story.

• Culinary Crescendo

Bake the assembled lasagna until the top becomes golden and bubbly, allowing all flavors to meld into a harmonious, comforting dish that celebrates Italian cooking traditions.

Variations to Try on Classic Bechamel Lasagna

• Learn pro techniques to transform this classic dish into a show-stopping meal with maximum flavor and texture.
• Mix mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta for a creamy, complex taste profile that adds depth to every bite.
• Assemble lasagna completely the night before, refrigerate, and bake directly from the cold dish for intensified flavors and easier weeknight cooking.
• Incorporate roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms between layers to add nutrition and create a more robust vegetarian-friendly version of the classic recipe.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, oregano, or parsley between layers and on top before baking to enhance aromatics and bring bright, fresh notes to the rich, hearty lasagna.

How to Serve Classic Lasagna with Bechamel Like a Chef

• Serve Straight from the Oven: Present this bubbling lasagna directly on the dining table for a dramatic, appetizing reveal that gets everyone excited about dinner.
• Pair with Fresh Side Salad: Complement the rich lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the dining experience with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully matches the robust meat and tomato sauce.
• Garnish with Herb Sprinkle: Top the lasagna with freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.

Classic Lasagna with Bechamel Storage Know-How

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious flavors. Refrigerated lasagna stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months for a quick future meal. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.
• Portion and Protect: Cut lasagna into serving-sized portions before storing. Use freezer-safe glass containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 9

Classic Lasagna with Bechamel: What to Buy

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky foundation for sautéing, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, select fresh, firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Onion: Creates savory undertones, look for firm bulbs with no soft spots.
• Fennel Seeds: Introduces subtle licorice-like warmth, whole seeds ensure fresher taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers gentle heat, adjust quantity for personal spice preference.

• Ground Beef: Brings robust meaty texture, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness.
• Italian Sausage: Adds complex flavor profile, select fresh links from reliable butcher.

• Butter: Creates creamy richness, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Milk: Establishes smooth bechamel base, whole milk recommended for fuller consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty stretchy layer, fresh varieties melt most beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, nutty accent, opt for freshly grated.

• White Wine: Optional ingredient adding depth, dry varieties work best.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates robust tomato essence, look for deep red color.
• Sugar: Balances tomato's acidity, use sparingly.
• Dried Oregano: Introduces Mediterranean herbaceousness, crush before adding.
• Fresh Basil: Offers bright, aromatic finish, choose vibrant green leaves.

Equipment for Assembling Classic Lasagna with Bechamel

• Large skillet: For making marinara and meat sauces.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for preparing smooth bechamel sauce.
• Essential for layering and baking lasagna.
• Food processor: Helps pulse and blend meat mixture.
• Whisk: Key for creating lump-free bechamel sauce.
• Sharp knife: For chopping garlic, onions, and herbs.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Hearty Classic Lasagna Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty classic lasagna with bechamel combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy white sauce for an authentic Italian comfort meal. Generous portions and homemade ingredients ensure a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) hot Italian sausages, casings removed
• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 12 sheets dry lasagna noodles
• 1 lb (454 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 oz (226 g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 28 oz (794 g) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 3 cups milk (any variety)
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 12 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• ½ cup dry red wine (optional)
• ½ tsp sugar
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Marinara Initiation: Sizzle olive oil in a large skillet, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic. Incorporate white wine, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes, allowing ingredients to harmonize.
2. Sauce Development: Pour in whole crushed tomatoes and fresh basil, simmering until slightly reduced. Season and optionally blend for silky smoothness.
3. Bechamel Creation: Gently warm milk while melting butter in a saucepan. Whisk flour, salt, and white pepper into butter, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour essence. Stream warm milk gradually, whisking continuously until sauce reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.
4. Meat Sauce Transformation: Toast fennel seeds and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Brown ground beef and Italian sausage, then pulse in food processor for uniform texture. Merge with prepared marinara, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Noodle Preparation: Soften lasagna noodles by soaking in hot water, rendering them pliable and ready for assembly.
6. Layering Technique: Grease a 9 x 13 inches baking dish. Construct alternating layers of meat sauce, noodles, bechamel, and cheese, ensuring a generous cheese-topped finale.
7. Culinary Finale: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until cheese transforms to golden perfection. Rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing layers to set and flavors to intensify before serving.

Notes

• Sauce Synchronization: Blend marinara and meat sauce thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile that penetrates every layer.
• Noodle Nuance: Soak pasta sheets in hot water to prevent breaking and ensure optimal texture without pre-boiling.
• Cheese Calibration: Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta for complex, rich taste dimensions.
• Resting Ritual: Allow lasagna to rest after baking, which helps layers stabilize and intensifies overall taste experience.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg