Lasagna with minced pork

Lasagna with Meat and Béchamel Sauce: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

Are you in search of a dish that brings joy and flavor to your table? I invite you to discover the delicious recipe for lasagna with meat and béchamel sauce, a dish that combines tradition with innovation and will transform any meal into a feast. This recipe, which I received with love from a neighbor passionate about cooking, has a personal touch thanks to the use of cheese instead of parmesan, offering a creamy and savory taste. Let's embark on this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Rag Sauce:
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 2 celery stalks
- 225 ml olive oil
- 750 g ground pork (you can also use a combination of pork and beef for a more complex flavor)
- 150 ml white wine (a dry wine is ideal)
- 500 ml tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 150 g butter
- 150 g flour
- 1.5 l milk (preferably whole for better creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible)
- Salt to taste

Additionally:
- 12 lasagna sheets (preferably whole grain for added nutrients)
- 250 g Delaco Family Cheese (or another cheese that melts well)
- 20x30 cm baking dish

Preparing the Rag Sauce

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the onion, carrot, and celery. Chop the onion finely, grate the carrot, and cut the celery into rounds. These vegetables will form the flavor base for your sauce.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pan, add the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they become soft and slightly golden. This is the stage where the flavors develop and prepare the ground meat.

3. Adding the meat: Add the ground meat to the pan, stirring continuously to release the moisture. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.

4. Wine and tomatoes: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until completely evaporated. This step adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Then, add the tomato puree and sweet paprika. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melting the butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Be careful not to let it burn, as it can ruin the flavors.

2. Adding the flour: When the butter is completely melted, add the flour, whisking vigorously to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly golden.

3. Incorporating the milk: Gradually add the milk, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, achieving a creamy consistency. Add salt and nutmeg to taste.

Assembling the Lasagna

1. Preheating the oven: Set the oven to 180°C to preheat while you assemble the lasagna.

2. Layers of lasagna: In the 20x30 cm baking dish, start assembling the lasagna as follows:
- A layer of béchamel sauce
- 4 lasagna sheets
- A layer of rag sauce
- Another layer of béchamel sauce
- 100 g grated cheese
- Repeat this process 2 more times, finishing with a final layer of béchamel sauce and cheese on top.

3. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna in the oven for 25 minutes. Finally, remove the foil and let it brown for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and crispy.

Serving and Suggestions

Lasagna is a dish that can be served with a fresh green salad, drizzled with lemon dressing and olive oil. This will provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of the lasagna. Additionally, a white wine or a light red will perfectly complement the meal.

Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with a mix of grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, adding a mix of cheeses for a more intense flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna sheets?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna sheets. Make sure to add enough sauce to cook them during baking.

2. How can I store lasagna?
Lasagna stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

3. How many calories are in a serving of lasagna?
A serving of lasagna with meat and béchamel sauce has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and type of meat used. It is a hearty dish, but full of nutrients.

Conclusion

So, we have finished preparing lasagna with meat and béchamel sauce, a true delight that will bring smiles to your tables. Don't forget to enjoy every step of cooking and the aroma of fresh ingredients. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or a Sunday dinner, this recipe will surely be a hit. I encourage you to experiment and bring a little of your personal style to each dish! Enjoy your meal!