Meat Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce

Meat Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce

Lasagna is one of the most beloved and versatile dishes, often associated with Italian culinary tradition. Although many believe its origins are closely tied to Italy, its history is more complex, with roots that stretch back to the 14th century when similar recipes were served at the court of King Richard. Certainly, a dish with a rich story, worthy of being savored and reproduced in every kitchen.

This Meat Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. It is a dish that combines delicious layers of meat, pasta, and a creamy sauce, bringing an unmistakable taste. We will explore together each step of the preparation process to achieve a perfect result, worthy of the most refined meals.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
- Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 1 large onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 100 ml olive oil
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 500 g ground beef (can be replaced with chicken or turkey)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence mix (thyme, basil, etc.)
- 350 g store-bought lasagna sheets
- 500 ml Bechamel sauce or liquid cream
- 100 g grated cheese (preferably Parmesan)

Preparing the Meat Sauce

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. These two ingredients are essential, adding a special aroma to our dish.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Don’t forget to stir constantly to prevent burning.

3. Add the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into cubes and add them to the skillet. You can peel them, but it's not necessary. Let the tomatoes soften and release their juice, about 5 minutes.

4. Incorporate the meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet and mix well so that it browns evenly. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and the herbes de Provence mix. Let everything simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes.

5. Finish the sauce: For extra flavor, you can add 4 tablespoons of tomato paste and, optionally, 1 pack of liquid cream. Mix well and let it cook for a few more minutes.

Assembling the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 190 °C (375 °F) to heat well before placing the lasagna inside.

2. The layers of lasagna: In a baking dish, start with a layer of lasagna sheets. These can be used directly from the package without pre-cooking, thanks to the moisture from the meat sauce.

3. Add the meat sauce: Over the lasagna sheets, evenly distribute a layer of meat sauce. Then, repeat the process: another layer of lasagna sheets followed by the meat sauce. Continue alternating the layers, finishing with a layer of lasagna sheets.

4. Bechamel sauce: Finally, pour the Bechamel sauce evenly over the last layer of lasagna sheets, ensuring they are well covered. This sauce will provide a creamy texture and exceptional flavor.

5. Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese over the Bechamel sauce to achieve a delicious golden crust during baking.

Baking

1. Place in the oven: Now that the lasagna is assembled, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the surface is golden and sauce bubbles appear.

2. Cooling: After taking it out of the oven, let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help stabilize the layers, making it easier to serve.

Serving

Meat Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce is served warm, alongside a fresh salad, which will add a pleasant contrast to the richness of the dish. You can try a simple green salad with lemon dressing or a Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Useful Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, and for a vegetarian option, you can use vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
- Bechamel sauce: If you want a richer Bechamel sauce, you can add a bit of grated cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Storing leftovers: If there are leftovers, lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Benefits

This lasagna is rich in protein due to the meat and cheese, providing a considerable amount of calcium. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which contributes to heart health. Additionally, the herbs used add not only flavor but also beneficial properties to the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat lasagna sheets? Yes, whole wheat lasagna sheets are a healthy option and add an interesting texture.

2. How can I make Bechamel sauce at home? To prepare Bechamel sauce, melt 50 g of butter, add 50 g of flour, and mix well. Then, gradually add 500 ml of milk, stirring continuously until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? For a vegan option, you can use soy meat or other plant substitutes, such as tofu or vegetables, and replace the cheese with vegan cheese.

In conclusion, Meat Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that will surely impress family and friends. With each layer, you will bring a bit of history and culinary tradition into your own kitchen. Enjoy your meal!