ADVERTISEMENT
Lasagne Bolognese: The Classic Italian Comfort Food Done Right 🇮🇹❤️
If there’s one dish that captures the heart and soul of Italian cooking, it’s Lasagne Bolognese. Rich, layered, and deeply satisfying, this classic recipe is a labor of love—and absolutely worth every minute. Unlike the quick versions you might see, traditional Lasagne alla Bolognese features layers of fresh pasta, creamy bĂ©chamel sauce, and a slow-simmered ragĂą Bolognese that brings authentic depth and flavor to the dish.
This isn’t just comfort food—it’s a centerpiece. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner, a holiday feast, or just craving something special, this lasagna brings old-world charm and soul-warming goodness to your table.
🍝 What Makes Bolognese Lasagna Different?
Lasagne Bolognese is based on the original version from Bologna, Italy. Instead of ricotta, it uses bĂ©chamel (a white cream sauce) and a hearty ragĂą made with ground meat, tomatoes, wine, and aromatic vegetables. It’s traditionally layered with fresh egg pasta—often green from added spinach—but regular pasta sheets work beautifully too.
🧄 Ingredients
For the RagĂą Bolognese:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or half beef/half pork)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes or passata
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Bay leaf (optional)
For the BĂ©chamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
Other:
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (fresh or cooked according to package)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more, to taste)
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Make the RagĂą
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic and ground meat. Cook until browned.
Pour in red wine and let it simmer until mostly evaporated. Stir in milk and let it cook for a few more minutes. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the b
