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Classic Lasagna

Featured in Family Dinners.

Tried making Italian lasagna yesterday and spent the whole afternoon on it. It came out super rich thanks to the slow-cooked ragu and creamy bechamel. It’s got no ricotta—just authentic flavors. I used fresh pasta, which made slicing cleaner and the texture smoother. Everyone agreed it was better than what you'd get at a restaurant. A fun weekend project for special meals.
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Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:05:53 GMT
A plate of lasagna layered with meat sauce, cheese, and parsley garnish, served hot in a white dish. Pin it
A plate of lasagna layered with meat sauce, cheese, and parsley garnish, served hot in a white dish. | tasteofmoms.com

Homemade lasagna brings a taste of Italy right to your table. The combo of hearty meat sauce and velvety white sauce between pasta sheets makes a knockout dinner your family will beg for again and again.

Authentic Italian

The magic comes from patiently simmered sauce and creamy homemade bechamel instead of ricotta. These rich flavors and perfect textures turn an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.

Ingredients List

  • Ragu: Ground beef, chopped vegetables, red wine and aromatic herbs create the flavorful foundation.
  • White Sauce: Just butter, flour, milk and cheese whipped into silky perfection.
  • Layers: Choose either fresh or boxed pasta sheets with plenty of cheese on top.

Easy Instructions

Prepare Sauce
Sauté vegetables with meat, pour in wine, add tomatoes and let it bubble away slowly.
Create Bechamel
Start with melted butter, mix in flour, pour milk gradually, then add cheese until smooth.
Assemble
Start layering meat sauce, pasta sheets, white sauce and continue this pattern, finishing with cheese.
Cook
Pop in oven at 375°F until golden and bubbling, about half an hour.
A baked lasagna topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with herbs, surrounded by ingredients like diced carrots, parmesan cheese, sour cream, and a bundle of basil on a wooden surface. Pin it
A baked lasagna topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with herbs, surrounded by ingredients like diced carrots, parmesan cheese, sour cream, and a bundle of basil on a wooden surface. | tasteofmoms.com

Stack Properly

Begin with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom to prevent slipping. Then make sure each layer of pasta, sauce and cheese is evenly spread for that perfect crust.

Slow Cook Secret

Don't rush the sauce—letting it simmer brings out deep, rich flavors and tender meat. Your patience will reward you with that genuine Italian taste.

Storage Tips

It'll keep in your fridge up to three days or freeze in individual portions for later. Just warm it in the oven until it's hot throughout before serving.

Great Accompaniments

Add a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread and a glass of red wine on the side. A light tiramisu for dessert will round out your meal perfectly.

Custom Versions

Switch up the meat with ground turkey or pork, or throw in some roasted veggies instead. For dietary needs, gluten-free pasta works just as well.

Expert Advice

Always make sure pasta sheets are completely covered with sauce to stay moist while baking. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt, and let it sit ten minutes before cutting.

Celebration Dish

It's ideal for holidays, family get-togethers and special occasions. Those beautiful layers will look stunning as the centerpiece of your table.

Fan Favorite

Our readers can't get enough of this cookbook classic with its genuine flavors. It never fails to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Comfort Food

It's more than just dinner—it fills your home with amazing aromas. Each gooey, cheesy mouthful delivers pure Italian comfort right to your dining room.

A close-up of a baked lasagna topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a baked lasagna topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How's this different from American lasagna?

This uses creamy bechamel sauce in place of ricotta and features a slow-cooked ragu, giving it a deeper flavor compared to simpler meat sauces.

→ Can I prep it ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it and keep in the freezer for up to three months, in the fridge for three days, or bake it within 24 hours of prepping.

→ Why choose fresh pasta sheets?

Fresh sheets blend better with the sauce layers and bake smoothly without curling or breaking like dried ones sometimes do.

→ How thick should the ragu be?

The texture should be thick yet still have some liquid to prevent drying out, especially if you're using dry pasta sheets that need moisture.

→ Is pre-shredded cheese okay to use?

Freshly shredded cheese is better as it melts evenly and doesn’t contain added agents that can make sauces less smooth.

Classic Lasagna

Tasty Italian pasta dish with layers of fresh ragu, creamy bechamel, and cheese. A layered meal that's cozy and satisfying for dinner.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 10 Servings (1 large lasagna)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 60g butter.
02 4 cups milk.
03 2 cups gruyere or colby cheese, freshly grated.
04 1 tablespoon olive oil.
05 1 onion, finely chopped.
06 1 celery stick, finely diced.
07 1 medium carrot, finely diced.
08 2 garlic cloves, minced.
09 1kg ground beef.
10 800g crushed tomatoes.
11 ¼ cup tomato paste.
12 1 cup pinot noir or dry red wine.
13 3 beef bouillon cubes.
14 2 bay leaves.
15 ½ teaspoon each dried oregano and thyme.
16 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.
17 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional).
18 ½ cup flour.
19 Nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
20 350g fresh lasagna sheets.
21 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated.

Instructions

Step 01

In a pot, heat up oil and cook the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened. Add the ground meat and brown it well.

Step 02

Add everything else related to the ragu, except sugar. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Remove the lid and simmer for another 30 minutes until the beef is tender.

Step 03

Start by making a roux. Melt butter and stir in the flour. Slowly pour in warmed milk while stirring to thicken. Mix in grated cheese and season lightly.

Step 04

Begin layering in your dish with lasagna sheets, followed by ragu and bechamel. Repeat this process three times, ending with a layer of lasagna and the rest of the bechamel sauce.

Step 05

Sprinkle mozzarella across the top. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden brown. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. The ragu should have a rich and slightly saucy consistency.
  2. Freshly shredding cheese works best.
  3. You can prepare this ahead of time and keep it frozen.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sturdy heavy-bottomed pot.
  • A big saucepan.
  • A 13x9 inch baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy ingredients (milk, cheese).
  • Wheat is present in the pasta and flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 594
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 39 g