Easy Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

This lasagna Bolognese recipe is the kind of hearty, layered comfort food that feels like a warm hug from Italy. Rich meat sauce, tender pasta sheets, and creamy béchamel come together to create the ultimate cozy dinner.

Making lasagna Bolognese from scratch might sound complicated, but this version keeps it simple without sacrificing flavor. The secret lies in a slow-simmered meat sauce and a smooth béchamel that replaces ricotta, staying true to the authentic Italian lasagna Bolognese recipe tradition.

Every bite of this homemade lasagna offers layers of savory depth, tender pasta, and a golden top that’s irresistible straight out of the oven. It’s the perfect dish to feed a crowd or to make ahead and enjoy all week.

Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner or bringing something special to the table, this Italian lasagna Bolognese recipe is timeless, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

What You’ll Need To Make This Easy Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

1. Lasagna Sheets

• Use fresh or no-boil pasta sheets for easy layering.
• Fresh pasta brings a delicate bite to each layer.
• You can also use dry lasagna and pre-boil it.
• Avoid overly thick sheets to maintain balance.

2. Ground Beef

• Adds meaty richness to the Bolognese.
• Go for 80/20 ground chuck for flavor and moisture.
• Brown it well for a deep, savory taste.

3. Ground Pork

• Balances the beef with a softer texture.
• Traditional in Bolognese for flavor complexity.

4. Carrot, Celery & Onion

• This classic soffritto base gives sweetness and depth.
• Dice finely and sauté slowly to bring out flavors.

5. Garlic

• Adds an aromatic punch.
• Mince or finely grate for an even flavor throughout.

6. Crushed Tomatoes

• A base for the meat sauce.
• Use San Marzano tomatoes if possible.

7. Tomato Paste

• Thickens the sauce and intensifies tomato flavor.

8. Olive Oil

• Used for sautéing and layering richness into the sauce.

9. Butter

• Used in béchamel and adds silkiness to the layers.

10. Flour

• To thicken the béchamel into a creamy white sauce.

11. Whole Milk

• For a creamy béchamel, avoid skim or low-fat options.

12. Nutmeg

• Just a pinch in béchamel adds classic warmth.

13. Parmesan Cheese

• For layering and topping. Freshly grated only.

14. Mozzarella Cheese

• Adds that gooey, cheesy melt. Use low-moisture mozzarella.

15. Salt & Pepper

• Essential for seasoning each layer properly.

Equipment for Making This Lasagna Bolognese

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Quick Tips for Making Lasagna Bolognese

• Use fresh pasta if you want a more delicate bite.
• Add a splash of red wine to your Bolognese for deeper flavor.
• Make béchamel ahead and store in the fridge.
• Double the recipe and freeze one tray for later.
• Always rest lasagna before slicing for clean layers.

Make It a Full Italian Meal

Complete your Italian family dinner with:

• Appetizer: A fresh Caprese salad or garlic bread
• Side Dish: Roasted vegetables or Caesar salad
• Dessert: Classic tiramisu or panna cotta
• Drink: A glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon

Leftover Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover lasagna tightly covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices or whole trays and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Bake covered in a 180°C (350°F) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

How to Make Bolognese Lasagna Like a Pro

If this is your first time making lasagna with Bolognese and béchamel, keep these friendly chef-tested insights in mind:

• Layer with purpose: Always begin and end with sauces. This prevents dry pasta edges.
• Don’t over-sauce: A heavy hand with sauce can make lasagna soggy.
• Mind the bake: Covered baking helps steam everything together. Uncovering at the end gives you that irresistible golden top.
• Rest, then slice: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 10–15 minutes after baking is non-negotiable. It helps the layers hold together.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

• It’s authentic but approachable
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Packed with rich, layered flavors
• Baked until melty and golden
• Delicious leftovers for days

Health Benefits Of Lasagna Bolognese

• High in protein from beef and pork
• Calcium-rich from cheeses
• Source of iron from red meat
• Provides vitamins A, C, D, and K
• Comforting, satisfying meal that can be portioned for balanced eating

Conclusion

There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling, cheesy, golden lasagna out of the oven. With its rich Bolognese, silky béchamel, and layers of pasta and cheese, this dish captures everything we love about Italian comfort food.

Whether you’re making it for a Sunday family meal or just craving a hearty, homemade dinner, this lasagna Bolognese recipe delivers every time.

Once you try this version, you may never go back to the ricotta-only version again. It’s authentic, satisfying, and absolutely unforgettable.

✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.

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Easy Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

Author: Lia Agbor Cooking Method: Baking, Sauteing, Simmering Cuisine: Italian Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: High Iron High Protein

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 45 mins Cook Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 45 mins

Cooking Temp: 190  C Servings: 8 Calories: 480

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

This easy lasagna Bolognese recipe is the ultimate Italian comfort food, layered with rich Bolognese meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese. It's a hearty, oven-baked meal perfect for family dinners, holidays, or weekend indulgence. Learn how to make authentic Italian lasagna from scratch with step-by-step guidance.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 9 lasagna sheets fresh or no-boil
• 500g ground beef
• 250g ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 400g crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2½ tbsp flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Bolognese Sauce

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant.

   • Add garlic and stir for another minute.

   • Add ground beef and pork. Brown the meat, breaking it up as it cooks.

   • Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes.

   • Season with salt and pepper.

   • Simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavorful.

   Mark as complete

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

   • Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

   • Cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.

   • Add nutmeg and season with salt to taste.

   
   Mark as complete

3. Assemble the Lasagna

   • In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of Bolognese.

   • Add a layer of lasagna sheets.

   • Spread béchamel over the pasta.

   • Spoon over more Bolognese and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

   • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with béchamel and cheese.

   Mark as complete

4. Bake

   • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

   • Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

   
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 1

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 480kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 11g56%

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 680mg29%

Potassium 480mg14%

Total Carbohydrate 36g12%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 5g

Protein 29g58%

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Vitamin A 750 IU

Vitamin C 4 mg

Calcium 220 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 85 IU

Vitamin E 0.9 IU

Vitamin K 12 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• The Bolognese takes time: Don't rush the simmering process; a longer, slower cook develops a richer flavor.
• Use Room Temperature Milk for Béchamel: Using cold milk will increase the chance of lumps forming in your sauce.
• Don't Over-Sauce the Layers: A thin, even coating is all you need to keep the lasagna from becoming too soupy.
• No-Boil Sheets are a Time-Saver: They work great for this recipe, but ensure there's enough liquid in your sauces to cook them through.
• Let it Rest: This is the most crucial step! Resting allows the layers to set and the cheese to firm up, making for clean, beautiful slices.

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