Lasagna Bolognese from True Food Kitchen layers tender pasta sheets with rich slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and melted mozzarella, topped with fresh Parmesan and basil, creating a hearty and comforting Italian classic.
Equipments
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Ladle
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Box grater or microplane
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine
- 1 (28 oz/794g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup/56g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 12 sheets no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Using a combination of ground beef and ground pork enhances the depth of flavor in the Bolognese sauce, while the addition of whole milk in both the sauce and bechamel creates a rich and creamy texture. Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and yellow onion should be finely chopped to blend smoothly into the sauce, and freshly grated nutmeg adds subtle warmth to the bechamel. Opt for no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify preparation without sacrificing texture, and make sure to use whole milk mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan to achieve the perfect melt and savory finish. You can adjust the red wine and crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences for a more robust or mildly spicy profile. This Lasagna Bolognese from True Food Kitchen copycat recipe delivers a hearty, comforting Italian classic that your family will love.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dice onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in large saucepan/Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and pork; cook until browned.
- Deglaze with red wine; simmer until reduced.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and 1 cup milk.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer sauce, stirring occasionally, for 30–45 minutes until thickened.
- Remove bay leaf.
- In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute for roux.
- Gradually add 3 cups milk, whisking constantly.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Grate mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Spread small amount of meat sauce on bottom of baking dish.
- Layer noodles over sauce.
- Ladle meat sauce over noodles.
- Spoon bechamel sauce over meat sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over sauces.
- Repeat layers (noodles, meat sauce, bechamel, cheeses) until ingredients are used, finishing with sauces and cheeses.
- Cover dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake 30 minutes, covered.
- Remove foil; bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Top with fresh basil leaves.
Substitution
Lasagna Bolognese from True Food Kitchen features layers of tender no-boil pasta sheets, a rich slow-simmered meat sauce made with ground beef and pork, and creamy bechamel, complemented by melted mozzarella and fresh Parmesan. If you don't have ground pork, substitute with ground veal or turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Whole milk is essential for a creamy bechamel, but you can use 2% milk with additional butter if needed. Red wine adds depth to the sauce, though replacing it with beef broth maintains richness for those avoiding alcohol. Your baking dish size affects layering, so use a similar 9x13 inch dish to ensure even cooking and layering.
Tips
Make sure to brown both ground beef and pork thoroughly to develop a deep, rich flavor essential for authentic Bolognese sauce. When preparing the bechamel, whisk constantly to avoid lumps and cook until it just thickens for a creamy texture that layers well in lasagna. Use no-boil noodles to save time, ensuring the sauce is sufficiently saucy to hydrate them during baking. After baking, allow your lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes so the layers set and your slices hold together beautifully.
Nutritions
Lasagna Bolognese from True Food Kitchen offers a rich balance of macronutrients, combining protein from ground beef and pork with calcium-rich mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The inclusion of whole milk in both the bechamel sauce and meat sauce contributes to vitamin D and healthy fats, supporting bone health. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions provide essential fiber and antioxidants, aiding digestion and immune function. Your meal delivers a satisfying source of energy from layered pasta noodles, making it a hearty option for muscle repair and sustained fullness.
Storage
Store leftover Lasagna Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy bechamel. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months to preserve flavor and texture. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake covered at 350degF (175degC) until heated through and bubbly.
Variation or Alternatives
For a lighter variation, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork to reduce fat content while maintaining protein richness. If you prefer a dairy-free option, replace whole milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan mozzarella. You can also enhance the sauce by adding chopped mushrooms or bell peppers during the saute step for extra umami and texture. To save time, use pre-made marinara sauce instead of cooking the meat sauce from scratch without compromising flavor significantly.
Allergies
Lasagna Bolognese contains common allergens such as dairy from whole milk, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, as well as wheat from the all-purpose flour and lasagna noodles. Ground beef and pork can trigger allergies in some individuals, so be cautious if you have meat sensitivities. You should always check with the kitchen staff about cross-contamination if you have a severe allergy.
Why this recipe?
The Lasagna Bolognese at True Food Kitchen is celebrated for its rich, slow-simmered meat sauce that blends ground beef, pork, and tomatoes with a robust mix of Italian herbs, creating authentic, deep flavors. Its layered pasta, creamy bechamel sauce, and melted mozzarella offer a perfect balance of textures and taste that reflects traditional Italian comfort food. You will appreciate the fresh, wholesome ingredients and health-conscious approach True Food Kitchen employs, making the dish both satisfying and nutritious. Attempting a copycat version allows you to recreate the indulgent experience at home while controlling the quality and freshness of each component.