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Classic Lasagna with Béchamel Recipe

This Classic Lasagna with Béchamel is packed full of flavor! Layers of lasagna noodles, a rich beef and tomato sauce, a creamy white sauce and then topped with cheese. Perfect for the whole family! Lasagna takes time, but it is definitely worth it. Plus it can be made in advance making it great for casual entertaining or a busy weekend.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 680 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Ragu Bolognese:
  • 2 large onions - see note 1
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 3 beef bouillon cubes - see note 2
  • ¾ cup red wine
  • 2 cans crushed/chopped tomato (28oz/800g cans)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 
  • 2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian Mixed Herbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup water
For the Béchamel (White Sauce):
  • 6 tablespoon butter
  • ¾ cup AP flour
  • pinch mustard powder
  • 6 cups milk
  • salt and pepper
For the Lasagna:
  • 10 oz Dried lasagna sheets - see note 3
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar/Monterey jack
  • ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • finely chopped parsley/basil - for garnish

Instructions

Ragu Bolognese:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Peel and finely chop the onion.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pan.
  3. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened but not coloured.
  4. Add in the ground beef, and use the spatula to break it apart.
  5. Turn up the heat and let the beef cook and start to brown.
  6. Crush in the garlic and crumble over the beef bouillon cubes.
  7. Add in the red wine and cook for a couple of minutes.
  8. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, dried oregano, Italian mixed herbs, salt, pepper and water.
  9. Bring to a simmer.
  10. Add the lid and cook on a low heat for 2 hours, then remove the lid and cook for a further 30 minutes until the sauce has softened and thickened.
Once the ragu has had 2 hours make the Béchamel:
  1. Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the flour and mustard powder, then whisk it constantly for a minute.
  3. Add ½ cup of the milk to the flour mixture and mix until it is incorporated.
  4. Add another ½ cup of milk and whisk until lump free.
  5. Keep adding the milk a little at a time until it has all been added.
  6. Turn the heat up and cook for 6-8 minutes stirring regularly until it has thickened.
  7. Season well with salt and pepper.
To Assemble:
  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF/180ºC
  2. Spoon a thin layer of the ragu on the base of a 13 x 9 x 3" roasting dish.
  3. Add a layer of the lasagna sheets.
  4. Spread a layer of ragu over the lasagna sheets and then add a little over a cup of béchamel.
  5. Repeat the layers twice more.
  6. On top of the 4th layer of lasagna sheets, pour out the remaining béchamel. (It will be a thick layer but that is what you want. See note 4)
  7. Sprinkle with the three cheeses and bake for 30 minutes until golden.
  8. Let the lasgana stand for 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Notes

  • You can use brown, white or red onions here.
  • Beef bouillon cubes add so much flavor. I like OXO brand, but you can replace with any brand or use Beef Better than Bouillon.
  • Use either 'No cook' or 'Instant' lasagna sheets. Alternatively fresh pasta sheets can be used.
  • The top layer of your lasagna should have a nice thick creamy layer of béchamel. The recipe is generous and if you have used a little less on the middle layers you might find you have leftovers. Any remaining white sauce can be frozen.

  • TO MAKE AHEAD:

    Prepare as instructed then cover and refrigerate until needed. To cook, remove the lasagna from the refrigerator for 30 minutes before you cook it. Then bake the lasagna for 45 minutes to ensure the middle is cooked through. (You may need to tent your lasagna with foil for some of the cooking time to ensure the cheese doesn't burn.)

  • Prepare as instructed then cover and refrigerate until needed. To cook, remove the lasagna from the refrigerator for 30 minutes before you cook it. Then bake the lasagna for 45 minutes to ensure the middle is cooked through. (You may need to tent your lasagna with foil for some of the cooking time to ensure the cheese doesn't burn.)

  • TO REHEAT LASAGNA:

    To reheat this in the microwave. Add a single portion to a bowl, cover with a microwave cover (or cling wrap) and then microwave for 4-5 minutes until piping hot. You can take this for lunch in a Thermo Flask: To do this pour boiling water into the thermos and let it sit for 20 minutes so the inside is really hot. Microwave the lasagna until bubbling and piping hot. Pour out the water and add the hot lasagna, screw the lid on tightly and add to the lunchbox and don't forget a fork.

  • To reheat this in the microwave. Add a single portion to a bowl, cover with a microwave cover (or cling wrap) and then microwave for 4-5 minutes until piping hot.
  • You can take this for lunch in a Thermo Flask: To do this pour boiling water into the thermos and let it sit for 20 minutes so the inside is really hot. Microwave the lasagna until bubbling and piping hot. Pour out the water and add the hot lasagna, screw the lid on tightly and add to the lunchbox and don't forget a fork.

Nutrition Information

Calories 680kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 46g (15%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 37g (57%) Saturated Fat 15g (75%) Cholesterol 111mg (37%) Sodium 1167mg (49%) Potassium 883mg (25%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 13g (26%) Vitamin A 520IU (10%) Vitamin C 12.5mg (14%) Calcium 402mg (40%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 680

% Daily Value*

Calories 680kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 46g 15%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 37g 57%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Cholesterol 111mg 37%
Sodium 1167mg 49%
Potassium 883mg 19%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 13g 26%
Vitamin A 520IU 10%
Vitamin C 12.5mg 14%
Calcium 402mg 40%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.