Quick and Easy Lasagna (Lazanya)

by

This lasagna recipe is a comforting and classic dish, combining a rich meat sauce with a creamy bechamel sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this lasagna is both satisfying and easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs (basil, thyme, parsley, rosemary) or 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste (about 1 tsp)
  • 1 kg ground meat (beef or mutton)
  • 800g chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup water

For the Bechamel/White Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 cups cold milk

Additional Ingredients:

  • Lasagna sheets (no-boil or regular)
  • 200g shredded cheddar cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  1. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
    • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic, mixed herbs (or dried Italian seasoning), chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the aroma develops.
  3. Add the Meat:
    • Add the ground meat to the skillet.
    • Sauté for 8-10 minutes, using a spoon to crumble it, until it becomes brown.
  4. Add the Tomatoes:
    • Stir in the chopped tomatoes and water.
    • Let it come to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens.
    • Adjust seasoning if needed.

Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:

  1. Melt the Butter:
    • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Make the Roux:
    • Add the flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste.
    • Warm for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it brown.
  3. Add the Milk:
    • Gradually whisk in the cold milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Season:
    • Add a pinch of nutmeg and salt to taste. Stir well and remove from heat.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Layer the Ingredients:
    • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
    • Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
    • Spread a layer of meat sauce over the lasagna sheets.
    • Pour a layer of bechamel sauce over the meat sauce.
    • Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the bechamel sauce.
    • Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of bechamel sauce on top.
  3. Top with Cheese:
    • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.

Bake the Lasagna:

  1. Cover and Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  2. Uncover and Bake:
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve:

  1. Rest and Serve:
    • Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to cut into servings.

Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Lasagna is a delightful dish that brings together a rich meat sauce and creamy bechamel sauce in perfect harmony. With layers of flavorful ingredients and a cheesy topping, it’s a meal that will satisfy and impress your family and friends. Enjoy this comforting classic with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner!