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
9x13 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.
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.
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
9 lasagna sheets fresh or no-boil
500g ground beef
250g ground pork
1medium onion, finely diced
1medium carrot, finely diced
2celery stalks, finely diced
3cloves garlic, minced
2tbsp olive oil
1tbsp tomato paste
400g crushed tomatoes
2tbsp butter
2½tbsp flour
2cups whole milk
⅛tsp ground nutmeg
1cup grated Parmesan cheese
2cups 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.
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.
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.
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.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories480kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat24g37%
Saturated Fat11g56%
Cholesterol90mg30%
Sodium680mg29%
Potassium480mg14%
Total Carbohydrate36g12%
Dietary Fiber3g12%
Sugars5g
Protein29g58%
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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Lia Agbor
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Hi, I’m Lia, a food lover, traveler, and storyteller. I’m passionate about creating delicious recipes, exploring new flavors, and sharing them with the people I love.