Lasagna with meat

Lasagna with meat and béchamel sauce

Who doesn't love a warm serving of lasagna? This classic dish, full of flavors, is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Lasagna is a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to personal preferences. In this recipe, we will combine lasagna sheets with a delicious meat filling and a creamy béchamel sauce that will turn every bite into an explosion of flavors.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g lasagna sheets
- 400-500 g minced meat (a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion
- 50 ml sunflower or olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 200 g tomato sauce with basil
- 20 g butter (for greasing)
- Béchamel sauce:
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 700-800 ml milk
- salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to taste
- 200 g grated cheese (or parmesan, for a stronger flavor)

Preparing the béchamel sauce:
1. Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Make sure not to let it burn.
2. Add the flour, stirring quickly with a whisk or spatula to prevent lumps from forming. This step is essential for achieving a smooth texture.
3. Begin to gradually add the milk, stirring continuously. Keep mixing until the sauce thickens and reaches the consistency of cream.
4. Turn off the heat and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a more complex flavor. Allow the sauce to cool.

Preparing the meat filling:
1. Peel the onion, wash it, and chop it finely.
2. In a non-stick pan, heat the oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes translucent, but do not let it burn.
3. Add the minced meat and cook it until it changes color, stirring occasionally for even browning.
4. Incorporate the tomato sauce with basil and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to combine well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the lasagna:
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C.
2. Prepare a ceramic dish by greasing it with a piece of butter to prevent sticking.
3. Pour a thin layer of béchamel sauce into the dish, enough to cover the bottom.
4. Lay the lasagna sheets side by side, without overlapping.
5. Pour a layer of béchamel sauce over the lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of meat filling. Continue to alternate layers: sheets, béchamel sauce, filling, until all ingredients are used. Make sure the last layer consists of lasagna sheets.
6. Cover the last layer with béchamel sauce and sprinkle grated cheese on top for a delicious crust.

Baking:
1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, until the top is golden and appetizing.
2. Once the lasagna is ready, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step will help stabilize the layers and make serving easier.

Serving and suggestions:
Lasagna is served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or a tomato salad with mozzarella. A bottle of white or red wine will pair wonderfully with this rich dish. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves on top for an extra touch of flavor and freshness.

Tips and variations:
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers) and add ricotta cheese between layers for a richer taste.
- For a spicy note, add some chili flakes to the meat sauce.
- If you want to improve the visual appeal of the dish, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top at the end.

Nutritional benefits:
This meat lasagna recipe is rich in protein due to the meat and contains carbohydrates from the lasagna sheets, providing long-lasting energy. The béchamel sauce adds a source of calcium, while the tomatoes in the tomato sauce are a good source of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat lasagna sheets?
Sure! Whole wheat sheets are a healthier option and provide a more intense flavor.
2. Can I prepare lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Bake it before serving.
3. What can I do with leftover lasagna?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

I hope this meat lasagna recipe with béchamel sauce brings you joy at the table. By experimenting with ingredients, you will discover new combinations that will delight your taste buds. Bon appétit!