A large slice of lasagna, crafted from a classic lasagna recipe with rich béchamel sauce, rests on a white plate atop a white napkin on a marble surface. Nearby, a stack of empty white plates awaits.
Baked classic lasagna with a portion missing in a rectangular dish, accompanied by a glass of orange juice, a striped cloth, and a white plate with utensils on a white surface. This delightful recipe features layers of pasta, rich béchamel sauce, and savory meat filling.

Classic Lasagna Recipe with Béchamel Sauce

A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair is smiling, standing indoors with greenery in the background. She is wearing a white V-neck shirt and a necklace.Jasmine Ito
A hearty and comforting Italian dish made with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 31 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 735 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $13.50
Shopping Cost$41

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
 
 

Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Béchamel Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Meat Sauce:

  • In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
    1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
    1 can, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, Salt and pepper to taste

Béchamel Sauce:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
    3 cups milk, A pinch of nutmeg, Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    12 lasagna noodles
  • In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, followed by béchamel sauce, meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
    2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of noodles, béchamel, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat sauce with a mixture of sautéed vegetables.
Lasagna can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 735kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 37gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 549mgPotassium: 667mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 873IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 476mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Comfort Food, Hearty Meal, Italian Cuisine, Lasagna

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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Luca, an architect in Milan, cherishes the taste of his mother’s Lasagna, a dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings in Rome. This hearty and comforting meal, made with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel, is a staple in Luca’s culinary repertoire. After a demanding week of designing buildings, cooking Lasagna allows Luca to relax and indulge in the comforting flavors of home.

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