Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 carrots (peeled and small diced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1-2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 inches parmesan cheese rind
  • 28 oz of crushed tomatoes or 1 jar of prepared tomato sauce
  • Salt + Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk (warm)
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • Lasagna noodles (either quick cook or regular ones)
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Instruction

  • For Bolognese Sauce
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (I used a dutch oven)
  • Add the onions and carrots. Season with salt and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions have softened
  • Add oregano, basil, and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes
  • Add the beef and increase the heat
  • Cook the beef until browned, make sure you break up the beef into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper
  • Drain the excess liquid and add the wine. Cook until the wine has reduced by half.
  • Add the bay leaves, tomato paste, water, parmesan cheese rind, and the crushed tomatoes (or prepared tomato sauce). Mix well
  • When sauce starts to boil, reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 1-2 hours partially covered
  • Check it every once in a while to make sure the sauce hasn't dried. If that happens simply add more liquid.
  • Check for seasoning and serve with hot pasta and parmesan cheese
  • For Bechamel Sauce
  • Warm the milk in the microwave
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat
  • When the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk until incorporated and the flour is cooked (about 45 seconds to 1 minute)
  • Add the warm milk and whisk vigorously to avoid lumps
  • Keep whisking until the sauce starts getting thick and creamy.
  • When it boils, remove from heat and add the cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until combined
  • Assembly:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Cook noodles according to packages instructions and drain
  • Spray a 9x13" rectangular dish with nonstick spray
  • Cover the bottom of the dish with lasagna noodles
  • Add 1/2 of the beef on top
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
  • Spread 1/3 of bechamel sauce all over
  • Cover with more lasagna noodles
  • Add the rest of the beef
  • Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
  • Spread 1/3 of bechamel sauce all over
  • Cover with more lasagna noodles
  • Pour the rest of the bechamel sauce
  • Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
  • Add the parmesan cheese
  • Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray
  • Cover the lasagna with the aluminum foil
  • Bake for 45-60 minutes or until bubbly
  • Uncover lasagna and broil until the top browns
  • Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting
  • Enjoy!