Classic Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this Lasagna Bolognese delivers rich layers of flavor that make every bite satisfying. Packed with hearty meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a family favorite that never goes out of style.

📝 Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional but recommended)

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• Olive oil (for cooking)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Bolognese Sauce:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Simmer the Sauce:
   Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

   • Add 3 lasagna noodles.

   • Spread ricotta cheese over noodles.

   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese.

   • Add another layer of meat sauce.

5. Repeat Layers:
   Continue layering: noodles → ricotta → mozzarella → sauce. Finish with a layer of sauce on top.

6. Top It Off:
   Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the final sauce layer.

7. Bake:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden.

8. Rest Before Serving:
   Let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.

🍽️ Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 30g

❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well with the sauce.

2. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
   Absolutely—assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

3. Can I freeze lasagna?
   Yes. Freeze before or after baking. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn.

4. Can I use no-boil noodles?
   Yes, but adjust the sauce so it’s slightly more liquid to hydrate them.

5. What kind of wine should I use?
   A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is ideal.

6. Can I skip the wine?
   Sure, just replace it with beef broth or water.

7. How long can leftovers be stored?
   Up to 4 days in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.

8. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
   Definitely. Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini work well.

9. Is there a gluten-free version?
   Use gluten-free noodles and ensure other ingredients are GF-certified.

10. What’s the best cheese substitute for ricotta?
    Cottage cheese or mascarpone are good alternatives.

11. Why let it rest before serving?
    It helps the layers firm up and makes slicing easier.

12. Can I add sausage to the meat sauce?
    Yes, replacing or mixing with ground beef adds flavor.

13. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, use two baking dishes or one large deep pan.

14. Can I cook it in a convection oven?
    Yes, reduce the baking temp by 25°F and monitor closely.

15. Is fresh mozzarella better?
    It offers great melt quality, but shredded mozzarella works well too.

16. How do I prevent watery lasagna?
    Simmer sauce long enough, drain noodles, and let rest before slicing.

17. Can I use béchamel sauce instead?
    Yes—traditional Bolognese in Italy often uses béchamel instead of ricotta.

18. Should I cover it while baking?
    Yes for the first part to prevent drying, then uncover to brown the top.

19. How many servings does this make?
    Typically 6–8 servings depending on portion size.

20. Can I use fresh pasta sheets?
    Yes! Adjust cooking time slightly as fresh pasta cooks faster.

💡 20 Pro Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Bolognese

1. Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the richest sauce flavor.

2. Brown the meat well to add depth and umami.

3. Simmer sauce low and slow for deeper flavor development.

4. Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic.

5. Cook noodles al dente so they don’t get mushy after baking.

6. Layer thoughtfully—don’t overload or underfill.

7. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and taste.

8. Let the sauce cool slightly before layering to prevent noodles from sliding.

9. Oil your baking dish to prevent sticking.

10. Always cover the lasagna for the first part of baking to keep it moist.

11. Don’t skip resting time after baking.

12. Use a serrated knife to cut perfect slices.

13. Make mini lasagnas in muffin tins for individual servings.

14. Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the cheese mix for brightness.

15. Grate extra Parmesan for the top layer for a crispy, golden crust.

16. Mix a beaten egg into the ricotta for a firmer texture.

17. Double the sauce recipe and freeze half for another quick meal.

18. Let kids help with layering—it’s a fun family activity!

19. Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking.

20. Serve with garlic bread and salad for a complete Italian feast.