Lasagna Bolognese is pure comfort on a plate, with luscious layers of velvety béchamel, rich Bolognese sauce, and golden, cheesy perfection. This classic Italian dish takes a bit of time and love, but oh, does it ever pay off—each bite is a celebration! Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or craving a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe is a heartfelt invitation to slow down, savor the process, and treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lasagna Bolognese lies in its humble ingredients coming together in the most harmonious way. Each element brings something essential—depth from the sauce, creaminess from béchamel, and that irresistible molten top from plenty of Parmesan.
- Olive oil: Use good quality oil to help the vegetables and meat sauté evenly and add lovely flavor notes.
- Onion, carrot, and celery: These aromatic veggies are the backbone of Bolognese, delivering sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Finely minced for that gentle Italian perfume in every bite.
- Ground beef (or beef and pork mix): Rich, meaty flavor is at the heart of traditional Lasagna Bolognese.
- Tomato paste: Adds an intense savoriness and gorgeous color to the sauce.
- Whole milk (Bolognese): Tenderizes the meat and mellows acidity for a deeply savory sauce.
- Dry white wine: Brings brightness, balancing the richness of the meat and tomato.
- Crushed tomatoes: Go for a good quality can; this is the juicy body of your Bolognese sauce.
- Salt, black pepper, nutmeg: Just the right amount of seasoning lifts all the flavors and rounds out the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for that ultra-luxurious béchamel.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the béchamel perfectly when whisked in with the butter.
- Whole milk (béchamel): Warm milk melts into the roux for a silky, creamy sauce.
- Lasagna noodles (cooked or oven-ready): These form the perfect cradle for all your lovingly made layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends the iconic golden bubbling top and adds savoriness throughout.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and herby finish to each serving.
How to Make Lasagna Bolognese
Step 1: Build the Bolognese Sauce
Start by warming the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking them down slowly until incredibly soft and aromatic. This is where all the foundational flavor begins. Toss in the garlic, letting it sizzle just until fragrant, before crumbling in the ground beef or your beef-pork mixture. Stir and break it up so every bit gets golden and caramelized. Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it toast for a minute or two—it’ll deepen in color and the kitchen will start to smell irresistible. Follow with milk, allowing it to absorb and transform the texture of your meat. The wine comes next, infusing brightness, as you let it reduce. Finally, stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Turn down the heat and simmer this glorious sauce, uncovered, for about an hour. Stir occasionally and let yourself enjoy the anticipation; this is what gives Lasagna Bolognese its beautiful depth.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
While your Bolognese simmers away, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. As soon as it melts, sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly until it forms a pale, smooth roux—about one to two minutes is perfect. Now, pour in your warm milk little by little, whisking all the while to avoid any lumps. Keep going patiently until the sauce thickens to a consistency that’ll coat the back of a spoon. Season it with a touch of salt and a pinch of nutmeg, and set aside. You’ll love the creamy richness the béchamel brings; it’s what sets Lasagna Bolognese apart from every other lasagna!
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Bolognese
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start with a thin layer of Bolognese sauce at the bottom—this keeps the noodles from sticking and ensures flavor in every bite. Lay down your noodles, followed by a swath of creamy béchamel, another hearty scoop of Bolognese, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Continue layering: noodles, béchamel, Bolognese, and cheese, repeating until you’ve used up your ingredients and the dish is brimming with anticipation. Finish with a final layer of béchamel and Parmesan for that beautiful baked top.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven for 25 minutes—this helps everything meld together and keeps it moist. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is gloriously golden, bubbling, and calling your name. Don’t skip the rest! Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making for perfect, satisfying squares every time.
How to Serve Lasagna Bolognese
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh parsley on top is all you need to brighten up your Lasagna Bolognese, adding color and just a breath of fresh, herbal contrast to the dish’s deep, rich flavors. If you’re feeling extra generous, an extra shaving of Parmesan as each slice is served never hurt anyone!
Side Dishes
Pair your Lasagna Bolognese with a simple green salad—think crispy romaine tossed with a lemony vinaigrette—or some roasted vegetables for a nourishing, colorful plate. A warm, crusty Italian loaf is perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce, and a glass of red wine is a classic any time!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can bake Lasagna Bolognese in individual ramekins or mini loaf pans, giving everyone their very own perfect portion. Or, try creating a rustic tableside presentation by bringing the entire baking dish to the table and serving up generous slices family-style—watch faces light up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lasagna Bolognese keeps beautifully and might taste even better the next day! Let the lasagna cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating portions as needed.
Freezing
This dish is a freezer superstar. Assemble your Lasagna Bolognese but stop before baking. Wrap the assembled dish well in foil and plastic wrap, then pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes to the covered baking time. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual slices—perfect for easy meals anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbling, which usually takes about 25–30 minutes for a full pan. For single portions, the microwave works wonders; just cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Bolognese ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, preparing Lasagna Bolognese a day ahead lets the flavors meld even more. Simply assemble the entire dish and refrigerate, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What’s the difference between Lasagna Bolognese and regular lasagna?
Lasagna Bolognese relies on a slow-simmered meat sauce and a creamy béchamel rather than ricotta or cottage cheese. The result is silkier layers and a rich, savory depth classic to northern Italy’s tradition.
Can I use gluten-free noodles and flour?
Definitely! Swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles and all-purpose gluten-free flour for the béchamel, and you’ll still get all the comforting flavors and textures—perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Is it possible to make Lasagna Bolognese vegetarian?
Yes—you can use plant-based ground “meat” or even cooked lentils in place of the beef and pork. The béchamel and layering method stay the same, resulting in a delicious vegetarian version.
Why let lasagna rest before slicing?
Allowing Lasagna Bolognese to rest for 10 minutes after baking gives the layers a chance to set, ensuring picture-perfect slices and a better eating experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about homemade Lasagna Bolognese. It’s a dish that feels both special and deeply comforting, sure to bring everyone to the table with a smile. I hope you’ll give it a try—and that each savory, cheesy bite brings you as much joy as it’s brought my own kitchen. Buon appetito!
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Lasagna Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and hearty Lasagna Bolognese, a classic Italian pasta bake that marries layers of flavorful Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Bolognese sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the béchamel sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warm
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked or oven-ready
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
For assembly:
Instructions
- Prepare the Bolognese sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until soft. Stir in garlic, then add ground beef, breaking it up and browning. Stir in tomato paste, milk, and white wine. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 45–60 minutes.
- Make the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add warm milk while whisking. Cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and nutmeg.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer Bolognese, noodles, béchamel, and Parmesan in a baking dish. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and Parmesan on top. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use a mix of ground beef and pork.
- The lasagna can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
