Authentic Italian Lasagna Recipe – The Best Homemade Comfort Food
Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods in the world. With its layers of rich tomato meat sauce, creamy béchamel, tender pasta sheets, and bubbling golden cheese, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. In this recipe, we’ll walk through how to make a truly authentic Italian lasagna that feels like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen. You’ll also discover cooking hacks, storage tips, and serving suggestions to elevate your lasagna game.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Italian flavors with homemade meat sauce.
- Creamy béchamel sauce instead of heavy ricotta.
- Perfect make-ahead dish for family gatherings.
- Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
Ingredient Quantity Lasagna noodles 12 sheets Ground beef 500 g Italian sausage 250 g Onion, finely chopped 1 large Garlic, minced 4 cloves Tomato sauce 800 g Tomato paste 2 tbsp Olive oil 3 tbsp Dried oregano 1 tsp Dried basil 1 tsp Parmesan cheese, grated 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups Milk 3 cups Butter 4 tbsp Flour 4 tbsp Salt & pepper To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic. Stir in ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Add tomato sauce, paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes to develop rich flavors.
2. Make the Béchamel Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.. Cook until thick and creamy, then season with salt and pepper. This silky sauce will bring creaminess to your lasagna layers.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Boil noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and arrange in a single layer on a towel to avoid sticking.
4. Layer the Lasagna
Drain well and spread out on a towel to keep them from sticking together. Add noodles, then béchamel, then mozzarella. Repeat layers until the dish is full. Finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Rest Before Serving
Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This prevents it from falling apart and ensures perfect layers.
Cooking Tips & Hacks
- Add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce for depth of flavor.
- Make lasagna a day ahead – it tastes even better after resting overnight.
- Freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners.
- Use fresh basil leaves between layers for extra aroma.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: ~480 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 40g | Fat: 22g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach..
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use ricotta instead of béchamel?
Yes, but traditional Italian lasagna uses béchamel for a creamier texture.
