Description
Hearty Tuscan lasagna brings Italian countryside charm right to your kitchen, layering rich flavors of homemade sauce and creamy cheeses. Savory herbs and perfectly balanced ingredients promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- Freshly grated nutmeg (to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Craft a robust meat sauce by sautéing aromatics in olive oil until translucent. Brown ground meats thoroughly, then incorporate tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings. Allow the sauce to develop rich flavors by simmering for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Create a silky bechamel sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually stream in milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Season with delicate nutmeg and salt, cooking until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Construct the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Alternate layers of lasagna noodles, meat sauce, bechamel, ricotta, and parmesan cheese. Ensure each layer is evenly distributed for balanced flavor and texture.
- Complete the final layer with a generous topping of bechamel and mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise. Serve warm, garnishing with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef and pork with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
- Create a vegetarian twist by replacing meat with hearty mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternatives for a protein-packed meal.
- Add extra depth and complexity to the sauce by incorporating red wine during the simmering process, which enhances the rich flavor profile.
- Prevent dry edges by ensuring each pasta layer is completely covered with sauce and bechamel, creating a moist and creamy lasagna texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg