🍝🇮🇹 How to Make Traditional Lasagna alla Bolognese | Layered Italian Comfort from Scratch

Lasagna alla Bolognese is a hearty, oven-baked Italian classic made with layers of fresh pasta, meaty ragù (Bolognese sauce), creamy béchamel, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect centerpiece for Sunday dinner, holidays, or when you want to impress with comfort food.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Ragù alla Bolognese:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 300g ground beef
• 200g ground pork
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk, warm
• Salt & white pepper – to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg

For Assembling:

• 9–12 lasagna sheets (fresh or no-boil)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Butter – to grease the baking dish

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Make the Bolognese Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
2. Add ground meats and cook until browned.
3. Pour in white wine and cook until it evaporates.
4. Add milk, stir well, and let it reduce slightly.
5. Add tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
6. Simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

🔹 Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
2. Gradually add warm milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.

🔹 Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Butter a baking dish and spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce.
3. Layer lasagna sheets, followed by ragù, béchamel, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
4. Repeat layers 3–4 times, ending with béchamel and Parmesan on top.

🔹 Step 4: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
• Best enjoyed with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Use homemade pasta for the most authentic texture.
• You can prep the ragù and béchamel a day in advance.
• Swap Parmesan with Grana Padano for a milder finish.