As one of my most loved and most popular recipes, I had to include this in my Debut Cookbook ‘Comfy’!
Homemade Lasagne
For some, the thought of making a lasagne might be a little daunting. But here I’ll share with you some tips and tricks to making lasagne an absolute breeze. PLUS, this just happens to be one of the most delicious lasagne recipes in the world. First of all, let me just get my food snobbery out the way – I have never found a store bought lasagne that comes even close to a homemade lasagne. There, I said it. The main thing to note about homemade lasagne is that whilst the steps are fairly straight forward, it takes time. There is no such thing as a quick lasagne, not one worth eating anyway! (sorry, the snobbery stops there). In terms of what are the layers of lasagne, here’s what we’re working with:
Lasagne Layers
Beef Ragu Pasta (lasagne sheets) Bechamel Sauce Cheese
Also, just one more elephant to address before we sink our teeth in:
Lasagne vs Lasagna
Unlike the American style version (Lasagna with an ‘a’ at the end), this version uses a homemade bechamel sauce, in contrast to a ricotta based layer. Before we get to that, let’s talk Ragu. Follow me…
Beef Ragu Sauce for Lasagne
A beef ragu in Italian cuisine, just simply means a meat based sauce (often served with pasta). This truly is the heart and soul of every lasagne. On the flip side, this is the part that really takes time. My number one tip for the best lasagne is to slow cook your ragu. It makes the world of difference in terms of developing the flavour of the meat sauce AND allows the sauce to reduce. This is important so your lasagne doesn’t end up too watery and sloppy at the end.
How to make Ragu sauce for Lasagne (quick summary)
Lasagne with Bechamel Sauce
For those of you who aren’t sure, Bechamel sauce (otherwise known as ‘white sauce’) is a roux made of butter, flour and milk. It adds a nice creamy layer to the lasagne. For a Bechamel sauce in a lasagne I add a hefty amount of parmesan and nutmeg, just for extra flavour. When it comes to making the Bechamel sauce, you’ll want to make it whilst the ragu is simmering.
How to make Bechamel Sauce (quick summary)
Tips for the Best Lasagne
Ragu:
Add Pancetta for extra richness (can sub bacon). Grate your carrot on a box grater. This will allow the carrot to disintegrate into the sauce and add gorgeous sweetness to the Ragu. Simmer the Ragu for a good length of time, this will develop the flavours and make the beef really tender. Make sure you reduce the sauce so most of the water disappears. Too watery and the lasagne will come out sloppy.
Bechamel Sauce:
Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to comfortably coat the back of a spoon. Any less and the lasagne will come out watery. A heavy seasoning of salt, black pepper and nutmeg will really help the sauce stand out in the lasagne.
Lasagne:
Finish with a layer of cheese, just so it goes beautifully golden and crispy in the oven. Let it rest! As frustrating as it is to spend all that time making a lasagne and then have to wait, the lasagne will need to rest and reform shape after it’s taken out the oven. Plus, you won’t burn the roof of your mouth off, which is also a plus.
Can I make Lasagne in advance?
Absolutely! Just ensure the ragu and bechamel sauce cool before layering the lasagne (or the sheets will start to cook). Cover and store in the fridge up to 24hours before cooking. You might need to add 5-10mins mins onto baking time or allow to come back up to room temp. You can also store in the freezer, then thaw in the fridge overnight and bake accordingly (make sure centre is piping hot!)
Fresh vs Dried Lasagne Sheets
I always go fresh. I prefer the texture and the lasagne stays intact better. If you’ve got dried then check the packet to see if you need to cook before hand. If you don’t then don’t reduce the ragu so much (the dried sheets will suck up more liquid than fresh).
What to serve with Lasagne?
Roasted Garlic Bread Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Cheesy Caprese Pull Apart Bread Garlic Butter Potato Skins Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Feta Bruschetta
And breathe. We made it and I’ve officially leaked all my lasagne knowledge out 🤣 Time for you to take the reins! Okay, let’s tuck into the full homemade lasagne recipe shall we?
How to make Lasagne (Full Recipe and Video)
Hey, whilst you’re here why not check out my other recipes?
Family Comfort Food Recipes
Mum’s Traditional Cottage Pie Dad’s Famous Chilli Con Carne Toad in the Hole Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken Meatball Pasta Bake
Delicious Lasagne Recipes
Chicken Lasagne Sausage and Fennel Lasagne Veggie Lasagne Ravioli Lasagne
