Lasagna is a classic comfort food known for its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe combines savory beef and mushroom meat sauce with a smooth, cheesy topping, making it a hearty meal that’s sure to please a crowd. With a balance of flavors and textures, it’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 500g lean beef mince
- 100g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 × 400g cans tomatoes in juice, chopped
- 1 cup tomato purée
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon Chelsea White Sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce:
- 50g butter
- 3 tablespoons Edmonds standard grade flour
- 1½ cups Meadow Fresh milk
- ¾ cup grated cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional:
- 250g wide lasagne, cooked
- 2 tablespoons grated Puhoi Valley Parmesan cheese
Method:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and crushed garlic, cooking until the onion becomes golden.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef mince. Brown well, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the chopped tomatoes (with juice), tomato purée, oregano, basil, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 40 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture boils and thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease an ovenproof dish.
- Place half of the cooked lasagne sheets in the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by half of the cheese sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining lasagne sheets, meat sauce, and cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Bake:
- Cook in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the lasagna is heated through.
Conclusion:
This homemade lasagna is a comforting and satisfying dish, featuring layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta. It’s perfect for a family meal or for feeding a crowd. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and the cheesy goodness of this classic Italian favorite!