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Traditional Lasagna

No one knows Lasagna better than an Italian, the perfect Traditional Lasagna Recipe, cheesy & delicious. Comfort food never tasted so good.

Prep Time
35 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 35 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 5 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 307 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

FOR THE MEAT SAUCE
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ pound lean ground beef
  • ½ carrot (chopped small)
  • 1 celery stalk (chopped small)
  • ½ onion (chopped small)
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups tomato puree (passata)
  • 1¼ cups water
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1-2 pinches hot pepper flakes (if desired)
FOR THE WHITE SAUCE*
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • pinch salt
  • 1-2 dashes black pepper (if desired)
  • 1¾ cups milk
EXTRAS
  • 1-1½ cups chopped fresh mozzarella
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 16 lasagna noodles** (also referred to as strips oven ready), more or less
*If you prefer you can use a good store bought bechamel of choice.
** If you prefer you can use the lasagna noodles that need to be boiled.

Instructions

FOR THE MEAT SAUCE
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot add the olive oil, ground beef, chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic and salt, sauté for approximately 10 minutes or until meat has started to brown, then add the tomato pure, water and spices, cook on medium heat until thickened (quite thick), approximately 30-60 minutes.
FOR THE WHITE SAUCE
  1. In a medium pot over medium heat melt the butter, add the flour and salt, whisk to combine well, add the milk slowly and stir constantly until the sauce has thickened (taste for salt). Remove from heat. (or you can purchase a good store bought white sauce).
  2. Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C)
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
  1. In a baking dish measuring 10x10x2 (25x25x5 cm) spread 2-3 spoonfuls of meat sauce on the bottom of the pan, add a layer of lasagna noodles, then continue to layer in the following order, the meat sauce, white sauce, chopped mozzarella and parmesan cheese, continue making 3-4 layers, the last layer should be without the white sauce, so remember to divide the ingredients by 3 or 4, depending on how many layers you wish to make.
  2. Bake for approximate 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • If you prefer you can simmer the sauce for 1-2 hours on low heat.
  • The baked lasagna should be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. It can also be prepared the day before, be sure to cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, remove from the fridge, let sit for about 30 minutes then bake.
  • The baked lasagna should be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. It can also be prepared the day before, be sure to cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, remove from the fridge, let sit for about 30 minutes then bake.
  • It can also be frozen, unbaked be sure to cover it completely with foil. When ready to bake thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake as directed in the recipe. You can also freeze baked lasagna, just be sure to cool it completely and cover with foil. Let it thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
  • It can also be frozen, unbaked be sure to cover it completely with foil. When ready to bake thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake as directed in the recipe. You can also freeze baked lasagna, just be sure to cool it completely and cover with foil. Let it thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Nutrition Information

Calories 307kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Cholesterol 58mg (19%) Sodium 577mg (24%) Potassium 797mg (23%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 1729IU (35%) Vitamin C 15mg (17%) Calcium 338mg (34%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 307

% Daily Value*

Calories 307kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 20g 40%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 58mg 19%
Sodium 577mg 24%
Potassium 797mg 17%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 1729IU 35%
Vitamin C 15mg 17%
Calcium 338mg 34%
Iron 3mg 17%

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