Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Bolognese

Pasta & Cheeses

• 500g oven-ready lasagna noodles (approx. 1 box)
• 500g whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• 350g smoked ham, sliced thin
• 100g freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the golden crust

Savory Beef Bolognese Sauce

• 500g lean ground beef (sirloin or chuck)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 2 jars traditional tomato sauce or passata (680g total)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt, dried oregano, and fresh parsley to taste

Silky Bechamel White Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (30g)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (30g)
• 500ml warm whole milk (about 2 cups)
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg and salt to taste

Making the Bolognese Meat Sauce

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden.

2. 2

   Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown until cooked through with no pink remaining.

3. 3

   Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Pour in the tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer on low for 10 minutes to develop depth. Finish with fresh herbs.

Making the Silky White Sauce (Bechamel)

1. 4

   In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to cook out raw flour flavor.

2. 5

   Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.

3. 6

   Cook until thickened and velvety. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.

Assembly & Baking

1. 7

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 8

   In a 9x13-inch glass baking dish, spread a generous ladle of Bolognese sauce on the bottom.

3. 9

   Layer lasagna noodles, followed by Bolognese, sliced ham, mozzarella, and a drizzle of white Bechamel sauce.

4. 10

   Repeat layers until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of white sauce topped with mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan.

5. 11

   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. 12

   Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure neat, picture-perfect squares.