Italian Bolognese Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour, sifted
• 4 cups milk, warm
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt

• 12 sheets lasagna noodles, cooked
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Method

1. 01
   To make the Bolognese sauce, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauteing until translucent.
2. 02
   Add the ground beef to the pan, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. 03
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 04
   To make the Bechamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sifted flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. 05
   Gradually whisk in the warm milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens. Stir in the grated nutmeg and salt.
6. 06
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 07
   Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of Bechamel sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
8. 08
   Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of Bechamel sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. 09
   Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. 10
    Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Italian Bolognese Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce!