Hey everyone! If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this easy lasagne recipe is it! I can’t even begin to tell you how satisfying it is. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors. Perfect for a cozy Sunday or any day when you need something warm and filling. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the best part is that it makes 4 servings enough to feed your whole family or save for leftovers!
Method
Start with the Base
To begin, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and crushed garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the kitchen starts to smell amazing. This is where the flavor base of your lasagne starts to build!
Brown the Beef
Next, add the beef mince into the pan. Break it up with a spatula or spoon to ensure it cooks evenly. Keep stirring the meat for about 8 minutes until it turns brown and is no longer pink. This step is crucial for getting a rich, deep flavor in your meat sauce. Once the beef is browned, you’re ready to move on!
Add the Wine
Pour in the red wine and let it bubble for a couple of minutes. This step is key to adding a depth of flavor to your lasagne. The wine helps deglaze the pan, picking up any bits of meat and vegetables stuck to the bottom. Allow it to cook for a minute or two so the alcohol can cook off and leave behind a rich taste.
Mix in the Tomatoes
Now, stir in the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, water, beef stock pot, and Worcester sauce. Season everything with a pinch of salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. Stir it well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. This is the heart of the sauce, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Layer the Lasagne
Once your meat sauce is ready, it’s time to start assembling the lasagne. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat mixture at the bottom of an ovenproof dish. This will help prevent the lasagne sheets from sticking. Next, add a layer of lasagne sheets over the meat sauce, making sure they’re spread out evenly. Follow this with a generous layer of white sauce (using about half of the jar). Repeat the layering process meat sauce, lasagne sheets, and white sauce until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection
Now, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the lasagne in the oven and bake it for about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be perfectly melted and slightly browned. Once baked, remove the lasagne from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Necessary Tools
- A large frying pan
- Chopping board and knife
- A medium-sized oven-proof dish
- A spoon or spatula
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
Easy Lasagne: The Ultimate Comfort Meal!
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes45
minutes1
hourIngredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 carrot (finely chopped)
1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
2 cloves crushed garlic
500g (5% fat) beef mince
100ml red wine
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 beef stock pot
100ml water
1 tbsp Worcester sauce
Salt, pepper, and mixed herbs to taste
235g (half a jar) of white sauce (I used @dolmio_official lighter version)
100g lasagne sheets
65g lighter grated cheese
Directions
- Start with the base. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Once hot, toss in your chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook them all together until softened. The smell is amazing already!
- Brown the beef. Add in your beef mince, stirring regularly to break it up. Cook for around 8 minutes until it’s all nicely browned.
- Add the wine. Pour in the red wine and let it bubble away for a couple of minutes. The wine adds such a rich flavor!
- Mix in the tomatoes. Now, stir in the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, water, beef stock pot, and Worcester sauce. Season it all with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, giving all the flavors time to combine.
- Layer the lasagne. Once the meat sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble. Start by spreading a layer of the mince mixture at the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Then, place the lasagne sheets on top, followed by a layer of white sauce. Repeat this layering process once more and finish with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.
- Bake to perfection. Pop the dish into the oven at 180°C for 40 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Serve it up, and enjoy!
Notes
- Layering: Be careful not to overcrowd the lasagne sheets in the dish. Ensure that each sheet is fully covered with sauce to avoid any dry patches.
- Sauce thickness: If your sauce is too watery, simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken before layering.
- Oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated before baking. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the lasagne doesn’t dry out.
- Resting time: Let the lasagne sit for a few minutes after you take it out of the oven. This helps it firm up, making it easier to slice!
Serving Suggestions
This lasagne is perfect just as it is, but here are a few ideas to take it up a notch
- Serve with a side of garlicky bread or a fresh green salad.
- For an extra protein boost, add a fried egg on top.
- Pair it with a glass of red wine for an authentic touch!
Fun Fact
Did you know that lasagne is one of the oldest pasta dishes, with its origins tracing back to Ancient Greece? The original recipe was more like a layered dish with pasta, sauce, and cheese, much like today’s version!
Conclusion
This easy lasagne recipe is a real winner! It’s simple to make, super delicious, and just the kind of comfort food that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will definitely hit the spot. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness in every bite!
