Authentic recipe for homemade baked beef lasagna

Homemade beef lasagna is one of those comforting dishes that warms the heart and brings the whole family together around the table. Between the simmering Bolognese sauce , the creamy béchamel, and the melted cheese, every bite is an explosion of flavors.

In this article, we offer a detailed, easy-to-follow baked lasagna recipe worthy of the finest Italian trattorias. It's designed to give you a generous, delicious, and perfectly browned dish that's sure to impress your guests.

And for your lasagna to be a perfect success, nothing beats an enameled cast iron roasting dish : cast iron distributes heat evenly, the layers cook uniformly and the serving at the table is elegant thanks to its colored enamel.

Ingredients (serves 6-8)

For the Bolognese sauce

• 600g of minced beef

• 150g of pancetta or smoked bacon

• 1 yellow onion

• 2 cloves of garlic

• 2 carrots

• 2 celery stalks

• 800 g canned tomato pulp

• 10 cl of full-bodied red wine (optional but recommended)

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt, pepper

For the béchamel

• 70g of butter

• 70g of flour

• 75 cl of whole milk

• 1 pinch of grated nutmeg

• Salt, pepper

For assembly

• 12 to 14 lasagna sheets (ideally fresh, otherwise pre-cooked dried)

• 150g of grated Parmesan cheese

• 200 g grated mozzarella or Emmental cheese

• A drizzle of olive oil

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Preparation steps

1. Prepare the Bolognese sauce

1. Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots and celery.

2. In a casserole dish, heat the olive oil and fry the pancetta. Then add the vegetables and let them wilt gently.

3. Add the minced meat and let it brown for a few minutes.

4. Deglaze with the red wine, then add the tomato pulp, oregano and basil.

5. Simmer over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Make a smooth béchamel sauce

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan.

2. Add the flour and mix vigorously (you will get a roux).

3. Gradually incorporate the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.

4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

5. Let it thicken until you get a smooth, coating sauce.

3. Assemble the lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C.

2. In the enamelled cast iron roasting dish , start with a thin layer of béchamel sauce.

3. Arrange a first layer of pasta.

4. Cover with Bolognese sauce, then with a little béchamel sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

5. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with béchamel sauce + grated cheese.

6. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top for a perfect gratin.

4. Cooking

• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 190°C.

• For an even more golden gratin, place it under the grill for 3 minutes at the end of cooking.

• Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting: your slices will hold together better.

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Tips for perfect lasagna

• Use fresh minced meat for a tastier texture.

• Prepare the Bolognese sauce the day before: the flavors will be tenfold.

• Alternate mozzarella and parmesan for a meltingly soft and gratinéed balance.

• The resting time after cooking is essential for a clean and delicious result.

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Why cook your lasagna in an enameled cast iron dish?

The success of lasagna also depends on the dish chosen. An enameled cast iron roasting dish :

• It distributes heat evenly for perfect cooking of all layers.

• retains heat longer once removed from the oven.

• offers a colorful and elegant enamel that allows serving directly at the table without transferring.

👉 Discover Mamie Cocottes enameled cast iron roasting dishes

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FAQ – Your frequently asked questions about homemade lasagna

Can I prepare the lasagna in advance?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. You'll just need to extend the cooking time slightly.

Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely. Cooked or raw, they freeze very well. For best results, freeze them after cooking.

Do you need to pre-cook the lasagna sheets?
If they are fresh or pre-cooked, no. If they are regular dried, a quick dip in boiling water will prevent them from remaining firm.

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Conclusion

Homemade beef lasagna is a hearty, comforting, and timeless dish. By following this step-by-step recipe, you'll achieve a tender and flavorful result that will delight the whole family.

And to enhance this culinary experience, cooking in a Mamie Cocottes enameled cast iron roasting dish makes all the difference: even heat, elegant presentation and incomparable durability.

👉 Discover Mamie Cocottes enameled cast iron roasting dishes