Bolognese Lasagna brings layers of goodness in every bite! With rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and pasta, this dish is comfort food at its best.
When I make it, I can’t resist sneaking bites between layers. It’s all about those cheesy pockets! Perfect for family dinners or when I need a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work great, but you can also use no-boil noodles. They save time since you skip the cooking step. Just remember to adjust the liquid in your sauce!
Ground Beef and Pork: I love using a mix of beef and pork for flavor, but lean ground turkey or chicken are good alternatives if you prefer a lighter dish. You can even use all beef.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to your sauce, but you can swap it with half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. Just be mindful that it might slightly change the taste.
Dry White Wine: If you don’t want to use wine, extra broth works perfectly. It helps build flavor in the sauce without the alcohol.
Cheeses: The ricotta is optional, but it adds a nice creaminess. If you want a lighter lasagna, skip it or replace it with cottage cheese. For mozzarella, any melting cheese works well!
How Do You Achieve the Best Bolognese Sauce Consistency?
The Bolognese sauce is where all the magic happens, and it’s essential to get it right! Start with medium heat to soften your vegetables and build flavor. Always remember to stir! This prevents sticking and burning. Here’s how:
- Cook the onions, carrot, and celery until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- After adding the meats, break them up to brown evenly for at least 8-10 minutes.
- Let the milk and wine simmer to reduce—this deepens the flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Add tomatoes and simmer low and slow for at least 45 minutes to meld the flavors.
Consistency is key; it should be thick but not dry, perfect for layering in your lasagna. Trust me, the longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
How to Make Bolognese Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional, can use all beef)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup dry white wine (or additional broth)
- 28 oz (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bolognese Lasagna will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and bake. You’ll spend around 30 minutes prepping and cooking the sauce, and then about 30-40 minutes assembling and baking it. Let it rest for a bit before serving to make slicing easier! Time well spent for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the lasagna noodles and cook them until they are al dente according to the package instructions. This means they’ll be firm enough to hold up after being layered. After they’re cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean surface or a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Bolognese Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these veggies until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it smells wonderful.
Now it’s time to add the ground beef and pork (if using). Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once the meat is cooked, pour in the milk and let it simmer gently until it’s mostly absorbed—this will take around 10 minutes. Then, add the white wine and let it simmer until nearly evaporated.
Finally, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf when you’re ready to assemble!
3. Preheat the Oven:
While your sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your oven will be ready to go when you finish assembling the lasagna!
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of your Bolognese sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Next, place 3-4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Then, spread a layer of the meat sauce over the noodles. If you’re using ricotta cheese, add spoonfuls of it evenly across the sauce for added creaminess. Top that with a layer of shredded mozzarella and some grated Parmesan cheese.
Repeat this layering process (noodles, sauce, cheeses) until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Make sure to finish with a generous layer of cheese on top for that perfect golden finish!
5. Bake:
Cover your lasagna dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the lasagna is out of the oven, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set for easier serving. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch and cut into squares. Serve warm and enjoy your rich, hearty Bolognese Lasagna!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! If you prefer no-boil lasagna noodles, just layer them directly in the dish without pre-cooking. Be sure to slightly increase the sauce’s liquid content to ensure the noodles cook properly while baking.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works well and offers a similar texture. You can also blend silken tofu with a bit of lemon juice for a dairy-free option that still provides creaminess!
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it—just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping tightly. Frozen lasagna can last up to 2-3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make the Bolognese Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the Bolognese sauce in advance! It tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use. Just reheat it before assembling your lasagna!
