The Best Lasagna with Bechamel Recipe That’s Ready in 40 Minutes

Lasagna with bechamel reimagines ordinary pasta into a luxurious culinary experience that captivates taste buds and warms hearts.

This classic Italian dish elevates traditional recipes with its sophisticated and silky sauce.

Crafted with delicate layers of tender pasta, the bechamel infuses each bite with extraordinary richness and depth.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the recipe balances complex flavors and textures that dance across your palate.

Comfort and elegance merge seamlessly in this beloved Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts alike appreciate the intricate balance of ingredients that make this dish extraordinary.

The magic happens when carefully selected components meld together in harmonious perfection.

Lasagna with Bechamel: A Creamy Italian Delight

• Craft Layered Comfort: Experience a hearty lasagna that blends rich marinara, creamy bechamel, and perfectly seasoned meat in harmonious layers, creating a satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Master Complex Flavors: Elevate your cooking skills by combining multiple sauce techniques – from simmering marinara to whisking smooth bechamel – that transform simple ingredients into a gourmet restaurant-quality dish.
• Indulge in Textural Symphony: Enjoy a delightful contrast between tender pasta sheets, silky bechamel sauce, robust meat mixture, and melted cheeses that provide an exciting mouthfeel in every single bite.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this make-ahead lasagna that serves 6 people, packed with substantial protein (36g) and complex carbohydrates, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekly meal planning.

What You Need to Make the Perfect Lasagna with Bechamel

• Lasagna Noodles: Thin, flat pasta sheets that create layers in the dish, providing structure and texture to the lasagna.
• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Rich protein sources that add deep, savory flavor and hearty substance to the meat sauce.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan: Classic Italian cheeses that provide creamy melting texture and sharp, salty flavor profile.
• Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Fresh and concentrated tomato products that create the foundation of the marinara sauce with bright, tangy flavor.
• Milk, Butter: Creamy ingredients that form the base of the bechamel sauce, adding richness and smooth consistency.
• Garlic, Onion, Fennel Seeds: Flavor-building ingredients that provide depth and complexity to the meat and marinara sauces.
• Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, White Pepper, Salt: Essential seasoning ingredients that balance and elevate the overall flavor profile of the lasagna.
• Olive Oil, Wine (Optional): Cooking mediums that help develop flavors and add moisture to the sauces.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetener that balances the acidity of the tomatoes in the marinara sauce.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Lasagna with Bechamel

Step 1: Craft Vibrant Marinara Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 2 minutes. Add optional wine, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 more minutes. Pour in crushed tomatoes and fresh basil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Optional: Blend for silky smoothness.

Step 2: Create Creamy Bechamel Sauce

• Flour
• Salt
• White pepper

Cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually incorporate warm milk, whisking until smooth. Continue cooking until sauce thickens.

Step 3: Prepare Hearty Meat Sauce

• Fennel seeds
• Red pepper flakes

Add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened. Brown ground beef and sausage. Pulse mixture in food processor for texture. Combine with marinara sauce. Simmer to blend flavors.

Step 4: Assemble Luxurious Lasagna

• Meat sauce
• Noodles
• Bechamel sauce
• Cheeses

Repeat layering. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Tips for Perfectly Layered Lasagna with Bechamel

• Simmer Sauce Slowly: Let marinara and meat sauces develop deep, rich flavors by cooking them at a gentle, low temperature to prevent burning and enhance taste complexity.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and fennel seeds carefully to create a harmonious heat that complements the creamy bechamel without overwhelming the dish.
• Blend for Smoothness: Pulse meat sauce in a food processor to create a more uniform texture that spreads evenly between lasagna layers for consistent bites.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving much easier and cleaner.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality ground beef and sausage to elevate the overall flavor profile of this classic Italian comfort dish.

How to Keep Your Lasagna with Bechamel Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Carefully wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss. Refrigerated lasagna stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Bring refrigerated lasagna to room temperature before reheating. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Best Sides to Pair with Lasagna with Bechamel

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty lasagna. The wine's acidity cuts through the creamy bechamel and balances the tomato's tanginess.
• Herb-Infused Side Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes provide a crisp contrast to the hearty lasagna.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herbs like rosemary and thyme. The crunchy texture and aromatic flavors perfectly match the lasagna's layered complexity.
• Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Serve a light, citrusy sorbet between courses to reset taste buds and provide a cool, zesty interlude between bites of the warm, comforting lasagna.

Fun Variations on Lasagna with Bechamel

• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap ground meats with roasted eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sauté vegetables until golden and tender, then mix with marinara sauce for a hearty plant-based version.
• Seafood Mediterranean: Replace beef and sausage with chunks of white fish or shrimp. Add lemon zest and fresh dill to bechamel sauce for a bright, coastal flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Incorporate chipotle peppers into marinara sauce, use ground turkey, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese between layers. Top with fresh cilantro for added zest.
• Gluten-Free Wellness: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and replace wheat flour in bechamel with cornstarch or almond flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.

Lasagna with Bechamel Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian lasagna layers delicate pasta sheets with rich bechamel sauce, creating a comforting classic that melts hearts. Cheese-laden and aromatic, this dish promises a delightful journey through traditional Mediterranean culinary artistry you’ll savor bite by delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 sheets (12 oz) dry lasagna noodles
• 1 pound (1 lb) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces (8 oz) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 28 ounces (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup dry red wine (optional)
• 12 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

Herbs and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinara sauce by heating olive oil in a large skillet and gently sautéing minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes. Pour in optional red wine, then incorporate tomato paste, granulated sugar, dried oregano, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
2. Add crushed whole tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until silky.
3. Create the bechamel sauce by warming whole milk in a separate saucepan. In another pan, melt unsalted butter and whisk in all-purpose flour, salt, and ground white pepper. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually stream the warm milk into the butter-flour mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer the sauce until it thickens to a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Prepare the meat sauce by heating extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Toast fennel seeds and red pepper flakes until aromatic, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent.
6. Introduce ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains. Transfer the meat mixture to a food processor and pulse briefly to create a uniform texture.
7. Combine the processed meat with the prepared marinara sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors for 10-15 minutes.
8. Soften lasagna noodles by soaking them in hot water for 20 minutes, ensuring they become pliable but not fully cooked.
9. Assemble the lasagna in a greased 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 centimeter) baking dish by creating alternating layers: start with a thin layer of meat sauce, then noodles, followed by bechamel sauce and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
10. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
11. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Marinara sauce packs a flavor punch with a harmonious blend of herbs, tomatoes, and optional wine.
• Bechamel transforms the lasagna with its silky, creamy texture that binds layers together elegantly.
• Meat sauce combines aromatic fennel seeds, spicy red pepper flakes, and perfectly ground beef and sausage.
• Layering technique ensures each bite delivers a balanced combination of sauces, noodles, and melted cheeses.
• Pre-soaking noodles eliminates the need for boiling and provides a softer, more delicate pasta texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 720 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg