Ultimate Homemade Lasagna Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Nothing brings cosiness to your table like a substantial, handmade lasagna. Rich flavours are packed throughout this traditional Italian meal, from the melting cheese and creamy béchamel to the savoury beef sauce. This lasagna dish is ideal for special events or family feasts and is sure to wow. begin your favourite kitchen knives and let's begin cooking because at Sharp Blades, we think that the appropriate equipment make all the difference!

Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:
12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Tools:
A sharp chef's knife (of course from Sharp Blades) is a necessary piece of equipment.
A cutting board
Big cooking pan or skillet
A medium-sized saucepan
Whisky
9 x 13-inch baking pan
Wooden spoon
Measurement spoons and cups

Time:
The amount of time needed to prepare is thirty minutes.
One hour is needed for cooking.
One hour and thirty minutes in total.

Directions:
Get the meat sauce ready.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped garlic and onion until they become transparent.
Using a wooden spoon, break up the Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until browned.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, red wine (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer, stirring periodically, for 20 to 25 minutes.

Béchamel Sauce:
Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat to make the bechamel sauce. To make a roux, add the flour and whisk constantly for two minutes.
Add the milk gradually while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg for seasoning. Take off the heat.

Put the Lasagna together:
Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C.
Cover the bottom of the baking dish with a thin coating of meat sauce.
Cover the sauce with a layer of lasagna noodles.
Cover the noodles with a layer of béchamel sauce, then a layer of meat sauce. Add some Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
Continue layering until all of the ingredients have been utilised, and then top with a layer of cheese.

Bake the lasagna:
For 25 minutes after covering the baking dish with aluminium foil.
After taking off the foil, continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Before serving, give the lasagna ten minutes to rest. Add some fresh parsley or basil as a garnish.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 900mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g

Last Tip: 
Broil the lasagna for the final two to three minutes of baking for a golden, crispy cheese topping. This technique is a great way to get that flawless finish. This recipe is your go-to resource for simple lasagna recipes for family dinners or for learning how to prepare lasagna with bechamel sauce. It makes all the difference to utilise your Sharp Blades chef's knife for accurate chopping and slicing!