lasagna Bolognese

Recipe: Lasagna Bolognese

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
2. Add ground beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
3. Pour in red wine and allow it to simmer until reduced by half.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, whole milk, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

For Assembling the Lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
4. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the Bolognese sauce.
5. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
6. Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of Bolognese sauce on top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.

Baking:

1. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

To Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
2. Serve the Lasagna Bolognese hot, and enjoy this rich and flavorful classic Italian dish!

Note: You can customize the cheese layers or add additional herbs like fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.