This Lasagna Bolognese is absolutely droolworthy! Homemade bolognese and bechamel sauces make this a lasagna you’ll never forget!
Folks. This Lasagna Bolognese. It’s amazing!
If you’re a regular follower of the blog, you know me pretty well by now right? Obviously, I love everything I share with you guys here at the BHK or I wouldn’t be sharing it, but seldom do I say it’s the best thing I’ve ever made. Well, today I’m breaking tradition, because this Lasagna Bolognese is the BEST!
My love for bolognese sauce runs deep. It has always been one of my favorite comfort foods. On the site, I’ve shared my Bucatini Bolognese and my Bolognese Bake, both total hits with my family and friends.
When it comes to lasagna, for some crazy reason both my boys have an aversion to ricotta cheese, so I never make homemade lasagna with ricotta. I make mine with a rich and creamy bechamel sauce. And I up the flavor by using my homemade bolognese instead of tomato sauce. I use my regular recipe for bolognese sauce with a few minor tweaks. Take it from me, once you try lasagna this way, you’ll NEVER, ever turn back.
I’m not gonna lie, making homemade lasagna is somewhat labor intensive. There are a few steps that must be taken before it all comes so beautifully and deliciously together. But what’s great about this recipe is that it can be made in advance. I make the bolognese sauce a day or two ahead of time so all the flavors meld together. And you can assemble the lasagna in the morning, cover it with foil and place in the refrigerator before you’re ready to bake it. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd too.
I see it as a labor of love. And thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day, this is one dish that your Valentine will LOVE you for making, no buts about it! And isn’t the special love of your life worth it?! Enjoy!
- Bolognese Sauce:
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups onions, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces pancetta, finely chopped
- 1 pound meatloaf mix, beef/pork/veal
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. ground pepper
- Bechamel Sauce:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup one stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
- Lasagna:
- 1 lb. fresh lasagna sheets
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- Garnish: 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped, if desired
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Bolognese Sauce: Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Saute for about 10 minutes until vegetables begin to brown. Increase the heat to high and add the pancetta. Saute for 3 minutes. Add the meatloaf mix and the ground pork and continue to cook until meat is no longer pink, breaking up meat with a fork. Add the milk and cook, stirring often until most of the milk is cooked down, about 15 minutes. Add the tomatoes, chicken stock and white wine. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 1 hour, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato paste and mix until incorporated. Continue to cook for 20 more minutes. Season with the salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Bechamel Sauce: Add the milk to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1 minute, whisking often. Slowly whisk in the milk a ladle at a time. Increase the heat to medium low and simmer, whisking often until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a large deep 13x9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Assembling the lasagna: Spread about 3/4 cup bolognese in bottom of dish. Top with lasagna sheets overlapping slightly. I used O'Sole Mio fresh lasagna sheets from my grocery's refrigerated section. The sheets are about 5x9 inches. For each layer of pasta I used three sheets. Two full sheets, and then I cut another sheet into two pieces to cover the additional space. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the parmesan and 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Top with about 2 cups of the bolognese, spreading with a rubber spatula, then 1 cup of the bechamel, also spreading with the rubber spatula to the edges.Repeat pasta, parm, mozzarella, bolognese, bechamel two more times. Finish with a layer of pasta, the remaining bechamel, and then the remaining bolognese. I like to place a few scoops of the bolognese randomly on top of the bechamel and then just slightly spread. Then sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella, also in random clumps here and there on top, then a sprinkle of the remaining parm. Dot the top of the lasagna with the small cubes of butter.
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Cover with foil and place baking dish on a large baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and continue to bake for 15 minutes uncovered until lightly browned and until the sauce is bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Cut into squares and serve immediately.
I believe you, I believe you! I mean, everything you make looks absolutely delicious, but this is seriously making me want to jump right through my screen, lol. I could do some serious damage to this pan of lasagna, my friend ;) Pinned! Have a great weekend! XO
My husband Tom LOVES this lasagna Dawn! It really is so delicious with my homemade bolognese sauce and bechamel! Thanks for pinning! Have an awesome weekend!
Can you add a layer of ricotta cheese to this
Hi Lucy. I substituted the bechamel sauce for the ricotta. I don’t think you’ll miss the ricotta. The bechamel totally makes this dish!
Holy smokes, Mare!!! This isn’t your average lasagna for sure! This is just EPIC!! I haven’t had breakfast yet, and now I’m craving this hearty deliciousness! Seriously, send napkins, because I’m drooling like a rabid dog! Pinning to try! Cheers!! xo
I don’t make it that often, but when I do I wonder why?! It’s sooooo good Chey! Thanks for pinning love!
Lasagna perfection! Love a bechamel lasagna. Will be making this one soon :)
Oh, I’m so happy Jennifer! You are going to LOVE it!
I can’t remember the last time I made (or ate) lasagna, which is terrible because it’s one of my favorite meals. Your idea of making this for Valentine’s Day is perfect. . .but I might make it this weekend too. You know, just to practice :).
Practice make perfect Kelsie! Enjoy!
A definite labor of love! And you have done many an Italian grandmother proud!! <3
Thanks Annie!
Wow this really is epic lasagna! I would love to have this for dinner tonight!
Wish we were neighbors Leigh Ann! I’d share!
Mary Ann,
Thank you so much for posting this delicious lasagna recipe! I am so excited to share this with my family!
You’re so welcome Tanya! I guarantee it’ll be a hit! Tell everyone to bring their appetite. This is one comforting and hearty dish! Happy weekend! XO
It looks and sounds so delicious! I can see it’s a bit of extra effort, but those pictures make me believe it’s worth it!! I love a good lasagna and it doesn’t get better than this!
It takes a bit of extra effort but it definitely is so worth it Deepika!
Mary Ann you can read my mind, my brother and his wife are here and they are good eaters. This lasagna is perfect for them. It looks delicious.
Oh, they’ll just love it Gerlinde! Worth the effort! Enjoy and have fun!
Absolutely love this Mary Ann. I’m a huge lasagna fan, but my husband hates cheese so I’ll get this all to myself! Gorgeous!
Enjoy Debs! It’s going to require extra work at the gym, but soooo worth it!
That’s okay. The gym and I have been strangers for quite some time now!
Lol!
lol!!! :D
Do you deliver?
Lol! Wouldn’t it be great if we were neighbors Kevin?!
This lasagna looks absolutely divine! And though it does take some effort (totally worth it!), using fresh pasta sheets is a nice way to skip a step while actually adding to the flavor!
Yes, using the fresh pasta sheets was a time saver Marissa!
This looks so delicious and I love bolognese sauce!! Just perfect for Valentine’s Day dinner!
Me too Tieghan, and I agree. My husband Tom would love it if I made this again for Valentine’s Day!
Oh YUM. I think I need this ASAP.
You do Sarah! Swap you some for some of your brownies??
That looks so so good and I’m sure my boys will love it with bechamel. That top is simply so tempting. Love it my dear.
Thanks Asha! My boys love this one!
A lovely lasagna recipe!
Thanks Jennifer!
This looks so incredibly comforting! I would totally love it!
It’s the most comforting dish Gina! Perfect for the winter!
It’s a classic for a reason and your version looks amazing!
Thanks Alida!
Ok, now I know exactly where to go the next time I want to blow my husband’s socks off!! This lasagna looks just plain epic!! I usually do use ricotta cheese, but I’m no stranger to béchamel so I just know we’d all LOVE this. Mmm!
I know you and the hubs will love it Katherine!
I find there are recipes that are just worth all the effort to make it happen and this one looks over the top incredible! I get what your boys mean about ricotta. I used to not be a fan, and only like it in some lasagna recipes (and other dips). But my mouth is totally watering over that Bechamel sauce! Come to mamma!!! I gotta get on board for V day! Well done my dear!
Thanks Traci! I don’t mind ricotta, but the bechamel is amazing! It does take some extra time to put a good lasagna together, but it’s always so worth it. Happy weekend!
This looks so incredible, MaryAnn. This may just have to make an appearance next to some nachos for Super Bowl!
I guarantee it will be a hit Naomi!
Absolutely love this, so comforting and makes for the perfect weeknight meal
Thanks Matt! Great as leftovers too!
This looks incredible (and absolutely the best!) – such a perfect comfort meal!
Thanks Laura! It was worth every single calorie. Sometimes we have to treat ourselves!
I saw this come up on my facebook feed and I instantly said “YUM!” I love lasagna and this looks amazing! Such wonderful comfort food that is loved by all!
I agree! It’s one of my all time fave comfort foods Kathy!
This is the ultimate comfort food dinner! I’m sure this is on repeat!!
Thanks Lindsay!
This is spectaccular Mary Ann and you took such beautiful images. It has definitely made my mouth water and crave lasagna!
Thanks Chris! We really enjoy this lasagna!
Great Recipe! This truly is a labor of love. I love how it’s all fresh from scratch recipes (no powdered/dried spices), I bet this has such a depth of flavor! Looks like it takes time to get to the end result but wowza I bet its awesome! Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks Matt! I don’t mind the time that goes into this one, because it’s such a treat! And the leftovers are amazing!
Drool worthy is right, Mary Ann – when I saw this on IG it was a show stopper! Such great pictures! And I don’t mind a labor intensive recipe now and then – especially on a lazy sunday – it’s a good way to spend the day!
Awww, thanks so much Geraldine! It’s fun to make this one on the weekend. Keeps me busy, and makes Tom happy when I serve it up!
Indeed, Mary Anne, this looks like the very best lasagna. :) I bet the fresh lasagna with your wonderful sounding bolognese makes this worth every bit of prep time. And I spy the most adorable little mouse salt shaker! Where did you find something so cute?!
Worth every minute Emily! I got that so long ago, I’m not even sure where I got it! Thanks so much Emily.
I did it yesterday and my family loved it, thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.
I’m sooooo excited you all enjoyed it Carla!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment!
Where can you find fresh lasagna sheets? I can’t wait to try this
Hi Hilary. They’re in the refrigerated section of the supermarket with the refrigerated tortellini and other pastas. You’re going to LOVE this. It takes time, but it’s so worth it! Enjoy!
I know this has been up for a few years but this has become my go-to for lasagna. Few things I did was added minced garlic to the butter in the béchamel sauce. Let it Sautee for a few minutes and really gives the sauce some garlic flavor. Next I add an extra pound of meat and boost the liquids a bit. I like a really saucey lasagna myself. Last I add in Fontana cheese. Turns out amazing.
Hi Jonathan! I’m so happy you enjoy this recipe! And I love your change ups. This recipe takes time, but it’s so worth it. I don’t think I’ve ever served it to anyone who hasn’t loved it. Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a comment and for following along here at the BHK. Have a very Happy Holiday!