Lasagna with homemade pasta and Bechamel sauce

Lasagna with homemade pasta and Bechamel sauce

What could be more comforting than a delicious lasagna, with layers of homemade pasta, succulent meat, and a creamy Bechamel sauce? This recipe is an invitation to a memorable culinary experience, perfect for a day off spent in the kitchen. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect lasagna that will delight the taste buds of all your loved ones.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the pasta dough:
- 200 g flour
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt

For the Bechamel sauce:
- 16 g butter
- 16 g flour
- 250 ml milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the lasagna filling:
- 400 g ground beef
- One large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
- 3 slices of bacon, diced
- 4 tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
- One tablespoon of tomato paste (for added color)
- One beef stock cube
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 150 g grated cheese (ideally cheddar, but you can use any preferred type)

The story behind the recipe

Lasagna is a dish with a rich history, deeply rooted in culinary traditions. This dish is as famous as the love for cooking, often associated with moments of conviviality and joy around the table. Whether you enjoy it on a Sunday evening with family or prepare it for a gathering with friends, lasagna always brings smiles to the faces of those who savor it.

Making homemade pasta

1. Preparing the dough: Start by placing the flour on a clean work surface or in a deep bowl. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and, using a fork, gently mix the eggs with the flour, incorporating gradually.

2. Kneading: Once the eggs are incorporated, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential to achieving pasta with a perfect texture.

3. Rolling out the dough: Using a rolling pin or, if you have one, a pasta machine, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about the thickness of two playing cards. Cut the dough into rectangles the size of your palm and let them rest for 20 minutes.

Preparing the lasagna filling

4. Sauté the vegetables and meat: In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion, bacon, and thinly sliced carrot, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. When the onion becomes translucent, add the ground meat. Cook on low heat until the meat changes color.

5. Add the tomatoes: Once the meat is cooked, add the peeled and finely chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and the stock cube. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Preparing the Bechamel sauce

6. Bechamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour, stirring vigorously to avoid lumps. Return the saucepan to the heat and gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then let it cool.

Assembling the lasagna

7. Boil the lasagna sheets: In a large pot of water with a pinch of salt, bring to a boil. Add the lasagna sheets one by one, boiling each for 2-3 minutes. After boiling, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

8. Layers of lasagna: In a baking dish, place a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of meat filling and a generous layer of Bechamel sauce. Sprinkle the grated cheese and continue adding layers, repeating the process until all ingredients are used. The last layer should be lasagna sheets, topped with a generous layer of cheese.

Baking the lasagna

9. Baking: Preheat your oven to 180 °C (gas mark 4) and bake the lasagna for 45-50 minutes, or until a beautiful golden crust forms on top.

10. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. This step is important as it helps stabilize the layers, making it easier to cut. Slice into desired portions and enjoy!

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or pork. Additionally, adding vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach can bring a touch of freshness and health to your lasagna.
- Serving: This lasagna pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a dry red wine. Also, a side of garlic bread will perfectly complement the meal.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of lasagna contains approximately 500-600 calories, providing a good source of protein from meat and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from pasta. It is a hearty dish, ideal for a family dinner.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare lasagna in advance? Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a few hours before baking it. Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it according to the instructions.

2. How can I reheat lasagna? Reheat it in the oven at 180 °C for 20-30 minutes or in the microwave, covered with a lid, for a few minutes.

3. Is it possible to make vegetarian lasagna? Absolutely! You can replace the meat with vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu, and you will get just as delicious a version.

This lasagna with homemade pasta and Bechamel sauce is a recipe that not only brings together simple ingredients but also beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy!