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Lasagna Bolognese

Lasagna Bolognese: A Cozy Twist on Classic Italian Yum

This Lasagna Bolognese combines layers of hearty meat sauce and creamy béchamel for a comforting and delicious dinner option.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Sirloin 90/10, can substitute with ground beef
  • 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage Choose sweet or spicy based on taste
  • 6 oz Pancetta Diced
  • 1 Yellow Onion Roughly chopped
  • 2 Carrots Peeled and chopped
  • 2 Celery Ribs Chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 6 oz Tomato Paste
  • 28 oz Canned Crushed Tomatoes High-quality
  • 1.5 cups Medium-Bodied Red Wine
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 2 Bay Leaves Remove before serving
  • 1 Parmesan Rind
  • Kosher Salt To taste
  • Freshly Cracked Pepper To taste
For the Béchemel Sauce
  • 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 cups Whole Milk Warmed
  • 1/8 tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg
For the Assembly
  • 20 sheets Egg Lasagna Noodles Fresh noodles yield the best texture
  • 16 oz Fresh Mozzarella Diced
  • 2.5 cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Divided for layering
To Finish
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For cooking the pancetta
  • 1 tablespoon Butter For richness

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Saucepan
  • Food Processor
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 6 oz of diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pancetta and set aside.
  2. Using a food processor, pulse 1 chopped onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs, and 4 cloves of minced garlic until finely chopped. Cook 1 lb of ground sirloin and 1 lb of ground Italian sausage in the rendered fat on low heat until browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the minced vegetables and sauté until soft, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add 6 oz of tomato paste to the meat mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly. Pour in 1 ½ cups of medium-bodied red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it.
  4. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly. Mix in 1 cup of whole milk, 28 oz of high-quality canned crushed tomatoes, and 2 bay leaves. Return the crispy pancetta and stir everything together.
  5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, cover partially with a lid and cook for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in 4 cups of warmed whole milk, whisking until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add 20 sheets of egg lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 5-7 minutes. Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and lay flat.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Begin layering: spread béchemel, add noodles, then Bolognese, another layer of béchemel, diced mozzarella, and sprinkle Parmesan. Repeat until components are used, finishing with béchemel and Parmesan.
  9. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden. Let rest for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Prepare the Bolognese sauce a day ahead for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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