Lasagne mit Fleisch is a classic Italian dish that's rich, hearty, and perfect for a family meal. Here's a detailed recipe to make a delicious lasagne with meat sauce:
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Sauce (Béchamel):
- 50g butter
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 500ml milk
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- Lasagne sheets (fresh or dried)
- 200g grated mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using).
- Season: Add oregano, basil, thyme, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce (Béchamel):
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Lasagne:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Layering: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne sheets on top. Spread a layer of cheese sauce over the sheets.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process (meat sauce, lasagne sheets, cheese sauce) until you use up the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top layer of cheese sauce.
4. Bake the Lasagne:
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Rest: Let the lasagne rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Enjoy your homemade lasagne with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad!
