Classic Parmesan Lasagna

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces/170g) tomato paste 1 can (6 ounces/170g) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 10g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
5. 5.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
7. 7.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook the béchamel sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
8. 8.
   Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and stir in the ground nutmeg.
9. 9.
   To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10. 10.
    Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lasagna noodles — Cook the noodles until al dente to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor.
• Parmesan cheese — Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Mozzarella cheese — Use whole milk mozzarella for a creamy and melty texture.
• Nutmeg — Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
• Make the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice.
• Serve the lasagna with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or pecorino Romano for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the Parmesan Lasagna hot, straight from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure clean and neat portions. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

To present the Parmesan Lasagna beautifully, cut it into individual portions and transfer each piece to a plate. Drizzle a spoonful of extra meat sauce on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of fresh salad for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.