How to Create a Classic Lasagna Bolognese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lasagna is one of those amazing comfort foods that everyone loves. The layers of pasta, creamy béchamel sauce, rich bolognese meat sauce, and cheese make it a dish worth celebrating. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to create a classic lasagna bolognese at home, this easy guide will walk you through the process, step by step. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it might seem!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this dish, you’ll need two main components: a rich bolognese sauce and a creamy béchamel sauce. Here’s an overview of all the ingredients you’ll need:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 carrots (finely chopped)
2 celery stalks (finely chopped)
2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
500g (about 1 lb) ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup red wine (optional, for added depth)
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup milk (whole milk is best)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Salt (to taste)

For Assembly:

Lasagna sheets (you can use store-bought or fresh)
2-3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step 1: Make the Bolognese Sauce

The key to a delicious lasagna is a flavorful bolognese sauce, so let’s start here.

Prepare your veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are soft and fragrant.
Add the meat: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef or pork. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle on the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Deglaze with wine (optional): Pour in the red wine, if using, and cook for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates. This adds a richer flavor.
Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and one cup of milk. Stir everything together, then lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

A creamy béchamel sauce is what gives lasagna its luxurious texture. Here’s how to make it:

Melt butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Create a roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk well until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
Season: Add a pinch of nutmeg (optional) and salt to taste. Set the béchamel sauce aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Now comes the fun part—layering your lasagna! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a deep baking dish.

Spread your base: Start by spreading a thin layer of bolognese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This helps prevent the lasagna from sticking.
Layer like this:
Place a single layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
Spread a layer of bolognese sauce on top of the pasta.
Add a layer of béchamel sauce. Use a spoon to evenly spread it.
Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Aim for 3-4 layers, but make sure the top layer is béchamel sauce topped with cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This traps the steam and helps soften the pasta.
Uncover and finish: Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest: Once it’s done, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to cut.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the lasagna into portions and serve while it’s warm. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. The creamy béchamel and hearty meat sauce make every bite irresistible.

Final Tips for Success

Make ahead: Lasagna tastes even better the next day! You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Freeze leftovers: Lasagna freezes well. Wrap individual portions in foil or put them in airtight containers for easy reheating later.
Customization: Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or different cheeses to customize your lasagna.

Now you’re ready to create a classic lasagna bolognese that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

how to create a classic lasagna bolognese