Cozy Italian Magic: Lasagna With Bechamel Recipe for Soul Warmth

My cherished lasagna with bechamel sauce represents culinary comfort in its most delectable form.

Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy white sauce create an irresistible harmony on your plate.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this classic combination over generations.

Generations of home cooks have whispered secret techniques for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.

Soft, melted cheese mingles with robust herbs and tender meat, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Each forkful tells a story of tradition and warmth.

Fall in love with this soul-satisfying recipe that will make everyone at the table cheer.

Lasagna With Bechamel For Rich Creamy Comfort

• Elevate Home Cooking: Master a Classic Italian Dish that impresses everyone with minimal kitchen skills required. Perfect for busy home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a hearty meal that brings family and friends together, satisfying even the pickiest eaters with rich, layered flavors and classic Italian taste.
• Time-Saving Technique: Prepare components ahead of time and assemble quickly, making this lasagna ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Celebration Centerpiece: Suitable for casual family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions, this lasagna delivers gourmet taste that looks and feels like a professional chef prepared it.

Bechamel Lasagna Layer Parts

Main Ingredients:

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta sheets perfect for layering, choose flat and wide noodles for best texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, melty cheese providing creamy richness and classic stretch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese adding deep savory flavor and nutty undertones.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base for meat sauce, select lean cut for less grease.
• Italian Sausage: Spicy meat adding robust flavor, remove casings for smoother texture.
• Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes: Sweet, low-acid tomatoes forming marinara sauce base, known for exceptional quality.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adding subtle fruity notes.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing deep savory foundation.
• Butter: Creates smooth, rich bechamel sauce, use unsalted for better control.
• Onion: Adds sweet, subtle depth to meat sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Bright herb offering fresh Mediterranean finish.
• Fennel Seeds: Provides subtle anise-like flavor characteristic of Italian cuisine.

• Flour: Thickens bechamel sauce, creates smooth texture.
• Milk: Creamy base for bechamel sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor in marinara.
• Red Wine: Optional ingredient adding complex depth to marinara.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Herbs and Spices: Oregano, white pepper, red pepper flakes add nuanced seasoning.

Lasagna With Bechamel Sauce Guide

Step 1: Crafting Vibrant Marinara Base

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet.

Gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste for rich depth.

• Sugar
• Oregano
• Salt
• Red pepper flakes
• San Marzano tomatoes

Let the sauce simmer and develop layers of flavor.

Finish by stirring in fresh basil leaves.

Step 2: Creating Silky Béchamel Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

Gradually stream in milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.

Season with salt and white pepper until sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 3: Preparing Hearty Meat Mixture

Brown ground beef and sausage in olive oil.

• Fennel seeds
• Red pepper flakes
• Minced garlic
• Diced onion

Incorporate the previously prepared marinara sauce, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Layering Lasagna Masterpiece

Select a large baking dish.

• Lasagna noodles
• Meat sauce
• Béchamel sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Repeat layers until dish is filled, ending with cheese on top.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection

Cover lasagna with foil.

Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Lasagna with Béchamel – Smart Advice

• Swap San Marzano tomatoes with fire-roasted or cherry tomatoes for a more intense, slightly sweeter flavor profile.
• Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth sauce consistency.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for deeper, more complex meaty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Spread sauces evenly to ensure each bite has balanced flavors and prevents dry spots in the lasagna.
• Mix fresh and aged mozzarella for creamy texture and sharp parmesan for added depth and richness.

Lasagna With Bechamel Sauce Can Be Reheated Smoothly

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions or whole lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Sides That Go with Lasagna With Bechamel

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti Classico or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty layers and cut through the creamy béchamel sauce.
• Create a Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with arugula, basil, and parsley, dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's heaviness and provide a crisp contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty Italian bread brushed with olive oil, rubbed with garlic, and toasted until golden to soak up extra sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Match with Crisp Italian Prosecco: Select a sparkling white wine to cleanse the palate between bites and add a light, refreshing element to the hearty lasagna.

Turkey Lasagna Swaps

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use mushrooms for added texture and umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or zucchini slices. Use cornstarch instead of flour for béchamel sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute noodles with thinly sliced eggplant or butternut squash layers. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use cashew cream or coconut milk for béchamel sauce. Replace mozzarella and parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.

FAQs

• What's the difference between marinara and meat sauce in this recipe?

Marinara is a basic tomato sauce with herbs, while the meat sauce combines marinara with browned ground beef and sausage, adding depth and richness to the lasagna.

• Why use San Marzano tomatoes for the marinara?

San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their sweet flavor, low acidity, and meaty texture, which creates a more authentic and delicious marinara sauce compared to regular canned tomatoes.

• What role does béchamel sauce play in this lasagna?

Béchamel adds a creamy, smooth texture that helps bind the layers together, providing a rich and luxurious element to the traditional meat and tomato-based lasagna.

• Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lasagna completely and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Lasagna With Bechamel Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade “Classic Lasagna with Bechamel” layers rich Italian flavors into a comforting masterpiece of pasta, creamy sauce, and savory meat. Generous cheese melts between delicate noodles, inviting you to savor each delicious bite of this hearty Mediterranean classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb hot Italian sausages, casings removed
• 12 oz lasagna noodles (about 12 sheets)
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 oz parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Dairy and Herbs:

• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 28 oz crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Craft the marinara sauce by gently heating olive oil and infusing with garlic, creating a fragrant base. Enhance depth by incorporating tomato paste, then deglaze with red wine. Introduce a balance of sweetness and complexity using sugar, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pour in San Marzano tomatoes and allow the mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors. Finish by folding in fresh basil leaves for a vibrant aromatic touch.
2. Construct the béchamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan until it transforms into a silky liquid. Sprinkle flour and whisk vigorously to create a smooth roux. Gradually stream in milk while continuing to stir, ensuring a luxurious, lump-free consistency. Season with delicate white pepper and a whisper of salt to elevate the sauce’s elegance.
3. Develop the meat sauce by rendering ground beef and sausage in olive oil. Incorporate aromatic fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and diced onions to build complex layers of flavor. Integrate the prepared marinara sauce, allowing the meats to absorb and meld with the tomato base.
4. Orchestrate the lasagna assembly by creating strategic layers. Lay down lasagna noodles as the foundation, then generously spread meat sauce. Drizzle béchamel sauce, creating a creamy landscape. Scatter mozzarella and parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution. Repeat the layering process, building a harmonious culinary structure.
5. Bake the lasagna covered at 375°F for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to marry and ingredients to heat thoroughly. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, encouraging the top to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece with crisp edges and a molten interior.

Notes

• Choose San Marzano tomatoes for the richest, most authentic marinara sauce with deep, sweet flavor.
• Allow meat sauce to simmer slowly, letting flavors develop and meld together for maximum depth.
• Avoid overcooking noodles during initial boiling to prevent mushy texture in final lasagna.
• Layer sauces evenly to ensure consistent taste and texture in every bite of the dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg