Lasagne alla Bolognese – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Italy Region / Locale: Italian Servings: 6 servings
Italy Region / Locale: Italian Servings: 6 servingsLasagne alla Bolognese is a traditional Italian pasta dish originating from the region of Emilia-Romagna. This sumptuous dish, known for its rich meat sauce and velvety béchamel layers, is a staple of Italian cuisine, embodying the art of balance between textures and flavors. Layers of handmade pasta cradle a hearty ragù, a luscious meat sauce simmered to perfection, and interspersed with creamy béchamel, culminating in a comforting, indulgent experience.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Onion, chopped – 1 large / 150 g
- Carrot, chopped – 1 medium / 100 g
- Celery, chopped – 2 stalks / 100 g
- Ground beef – 500 g / 1 lb
- Ground pork – 250 g / 1/2 lb
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp / 30 g
- Canned tomatoes – 800 g / 28 oz
- Red wine – 1 cup / 240 ml
- Milk – 1 cup / 240 ml
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Dried lasagna noodles – 300 g / 10 oz
- Butter – 50 g / 1/4 cup
- All-purpose flour – 50 g / 1/2 cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated – 100 g / 1 cup
- Whole milk for béchamel – 500 ml / 2 cups
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add ground beef and pork to the skillet, cooking until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and red wine. Simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Add milk to the sauce, season with salt and pepper. Simmer an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- For béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour, cooking for one minute. Gradually whisk in whole milk until smooth. Cook over low heat until thickened.
- In a baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, and béchamel, repeating until all components are used. Top with grated Parmesan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Ground beef -> Ground turkey
- Red wine -> Beef broth
- Whole milk -> Almond milk
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Use homemade pasta for a more authentic taste.
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese between layers for extra creaminess.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil and oregano for enriched flavor.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
