Cheesy Beef Lasagna with Creamy Béchamel Recipe

Introduction

Baked beef lasagna with creamy béchamel is a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth, richness, and indulgence to the table. With its perfectly layered pasta sheets, savory meat sauce, velvety béchamel, and golden cheese topping, this recipe is ideal for family meals, special occasions, or meal prep for busy weeks. Moreover, lasagna is known for improving in flavor after resting, making it even more delicious the next day. Thanks to its balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and creamy textures, this classic recipe remains one of the most loved baked pasta dishes worldwide.

History and Background of Lasagna

Lasagna is one of the oldest pasta dishes in Italian cuisine, with roots dating back to Ancient Rome. Originally, early versions were made with layers of dough and simple sauces. Over centuries, regional variations developed across Italy. In northern Italy, béchamel sauce became a traditional component, especially in the famous Lasagna alla Bolognese. This creamy white sauce, combined with slow-cooked meat ragù and pasta sheets, created the iconic layered dish known today. As Italian cuisine spread globally, lasagna became a staple in home kitchens, adapted with local ingredients while maintaining its comforting identity.

Ingredients

To prepare baked beef lasagna with creamy béchamel for six servings, you will need the following ingredients:

For the lasagna layers:

12 lasagna sheets (about 250 g)
500 g ground beef
700 g tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 large onion, finely chopped (120 g)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian herbs or oregano

For the béchamel sauce:

80 g butter
80 g all-purpose flour
1 liter milk
Salt to taste

For the topping:

150 g grated mozzarella cheese
80 g grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Prepare all ingredients in advance to make the assembly process smooth and efficient. Preheating your workspace and organizing ingredients saves time and improves workflow.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart using a spatula and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and black pepper. This step is crucial for building deep savory flavor in the meat sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and add the Italian herbs or oregano. Stir well and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to concentrate and blend. Once ready, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Melt the Butter for Béchamel

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter melts gently without browning, as this ensures a smooth béchamel base.

Step 6: Prepare the Roux

Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a light roux, which thickens the béchamel sauce while eliminating the raw flour taste.

Step 7: Add the Milk

Gradually pour the milk into the roux while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season lightly with salt.

Step 8: Enrich the Béchamel

Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the béchamel sauce and mix well. This step enhances the flavor and adds depth to the creamy layer.

Step 9: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by béchamel sauce, meat sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Step 10: Add the Final Topping

Finish with a generous layer of béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle grated mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. This creates a beautifully golden and crispy gratin topping.

Step 11: Bake the Lasagna

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be golden, bubbling, and slightly crisp around the edges. If the surface browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 12: Rest Before Serving

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to settle, resulting in cleaner portions and better texture.

Nutritional Information

Beef lasagna with béchamel provides a balanced combination of macronutrients. It contains protein from ground beef and cheese, carbohydrates from pasta, and fats from butter and dairy. Additionally, tomato sauce contributes antioxidants such as lycopene, while milk and cheese provide calcium for bone health. However, this dish is relatively rich in calories and saturated fats. To create a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef, low-fat milk, or replace part of the béchamel with vegetable-based sauces. When consumed in moderation, lasagna remains a satisfying and nourishing meal option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use no-boil lasagna sheets?

Yes, pre-cooked or no-boil lasagna sheets work perfectly for this recipe. They save time and absorb moisture from the sauces during baking, resulting in soft and well-cooked layers.

How do I prevent lasagna from becoming dry?

To avoid dryness, make sure each layer contains enough sauce and béchamel. Covering the dish with foil during part of the baking time also helps retain moisture and ensures even cooking.

Can I prepare lasagna in advance?

Yes, lasagna is ideal for meal prep. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I freeze baked lasagna?

Yes, baked lasagna freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until fully heated through.

What are good alternatives to beef?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, lentils, mushrooms, or grilled vegetables for a lighter or vegetarian version. These alternatives still provide great texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Baked beef lasagna with creamy béchamel is a classic dish that combines comfort, flavor, and versatility. With its rich meat sauce, silky béchamel, and perfectly melted cheese topping, it delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Additionally, its make-ahead convenience and customizable ingredients make it suitable for everyday meals and special occasions alike. By following this step-by-step recipe and practical tips, you can confidently prepare a homemade lasagna that rivals restaurant-quality results and delights everyone at the table.

Baked beef lasagna with golden melted mozzarella and parmesan topping, visible layers of pasta sheets, rich tomato meat sauce and creamy béchamel in a ceramic baking dish

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