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🍝 Classic Italian Lasagna Recipe

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Introduction

Lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, tender pasta, and melted cheese, it brings warmth and joy to every table. This dish is a symbol of Italian family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and festive occasions. The perfect lasagna is a balance of textures: tender pasta, savory beef, smooth sauce, and golden cheese on top. Let’s dive into this delicious journey of flavor and tradition.

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Ingredients

🧅 For the Meat Sauce (Ragù):

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

500g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

½ cup water or beef broth

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

🥛 For the Béchamel Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups milk (warm)

½ teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper, to taste

🍝 For the Assembly:

9–12 lasagna noodles (pre-cooked or oven-ready)

2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Olive oil or butter for greasing the dish

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan.
2. Add onions and cook until translucent.
3. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and water/broth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, oregano, and basil.
6. Simmer for 25–30 minutes until thick and flavorful.

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2️⃣ Make the Béchamel Sauce:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add flour and stir for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
3. Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking constantly.
4. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.

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3️⃣ Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
3. Start layering:
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
   • Add lasagna noodles.
   • Pour béchamel sauce over noodles.
   • Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Repeat layers until the dish is full, ending with béchamel and cheese on top.

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4️⃣ Bake:

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting to set the layers.

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Methods

• Baking Method: Oven-baked for a crispy, cheesy crust.
• Layering Technique: Always start with sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
• Make-Ahead Method: Prepare and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant.

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History

Lasagna’s origins trace back to Ancient Greece, where “Laganon” referred to flat sheets of dough cut into strips. The dish evolved in Italy during the Middle Ages, especially in the region of Emilia-Romagna, where it became layered with ragù, béchamel, and cheese. Over centuries, lasagna became Italy’s gift to the world, evolving into countless variations—from Lasagna alla Bolognese to Neapolitan Lasagna with ricotta.

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Benefits

• High Protein: From beef and cheese for muscle growth.
• Calcium-Rich: Dairy supports bone strength.
• Energy Boosting: Carbs from pasta provide long-lasting energy.
• Comfort Food: Reduces stress and uplifts mood.
• Customizable: Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free.

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Formation

Lasagna’s beauty lies in its structured layering:

1. Sauce — moisture and flavor.
2. Pasta — soft texture.
3. Béchamel — creamy binder.
4. Cheese — richness and crisp topping.

The baking process fuses these layers into a single, mouthwatering harmony of textures and flavors.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Approx. 1/8 of the dish)

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Calcium: 210mg
• Iron: 3mg

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Lovers of This Dish ❤️

Lasagna is adored by:

• Families, for Sunday gatherings.
• Couples, for cozy dinner nights.
• Kids, for its cheesy layers.
• Chefs, who appreciate its balance of texture and flavor.
• Travelers, who associate it with warm Italian hospitality.

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Conclusion

Lasagna is not just food—it’s tradition, comfort, and passion baked into one dish. Each forkful brings together the heart of Italy: simplicity, love, and flavor. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, lasagna proves that the best things in life come in layers.

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With Love 💕

From the streets of Bologna to your kitchen, lasagna continues to unite hearts across tables. Serve it warm, share it with love, and let its golden glow light up your meal.

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