Name: Lasagna al Forno: Authentic Italian Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: Fresh lasagna sheets; 1 lb ground beef or pork; 4 oz pancetta; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 1 celery stalk, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup red wine; 2 cups whole milk; 4 tbsp butter; 4 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 bay leaf

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Short Description

Lasagna al Forno is a classic Italian dish that layers delicate sheets of fresh pasta with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and grated cheese. This beloved comfort food is baked to perfection, creating a hearty, flavorful, and indulgent meal that embodies the essence of traditional Italian cuisine. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor – Made with traditional Italian ingredients, this dish stays true to its origins.
Rich and Satisfying – Layers of meat, sauce, and cheese create a deeply flavorful experience.
Perfect for Special Occasions – A great centerpiece dish for holidays or family dinners.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.
Customizable – Easily adaptable to include different meats, vegetables, or cheeses.

Ingredients

Fresh lasagna sheets
Ground beef or pork
Pancetta
Onion
Carrot
Celery
Garlic
Canned San Marzano tomatoes
Tomato paste
Red wine
Whole milk
Butter
All-purpose flour
Nutmeg
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Bay leaf

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until slightly crisp.
- Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef or pork, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown evenly.
- Pour in red wine and let it reduce for a few minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and canned tomatoes, breaking the tomatoes up with a spoon.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a bay leaf. Simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for a minute until golden.
- Gradually add warm milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue stirring until thickened.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by more meat sauce, béchamel, and grated Parmesan.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel and mozzarella on top.
Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations

Vegetarian Version – Replace meat sauce with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta sheets and a flour substitute for the béchamel.
Extra Cheesy – Add ricotta between the layers for extra creaminess.
Seafood Lasagna – Swap meat for shrimp, scallops, and a white wine sauce.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months; thaw before baking.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Let the meat sauce simmer properly to reduce excess liquid and avoid overloading with sauce.

Can I use dried lasagna sheets?

Yes, but pre-cook them slightly or use extra sauce to help them soften in the oven.

What’s the best cheese for lasagna?

A mix of Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta offers the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it a day before, refrigerate, and bake when needed.

What type of wine pairs well with lasagna?

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors well.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, but the flavor will be lighter. Adding pancetta can help enhance richness.

Why is resting lasagna important?

It allows the layers to set, making slicing easier and preventing excess runniness.

Can I add vegetables to my lasagna?

Yes! Zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach are great additions.

What’s the difference between Lasagna al Forno and Lasagna Bolognese?

Lasagna al Forno refers to oven-baked lasagna, while Lasagna Bolognese specifically includes a Bolognese meat sauce.

Can I cook lasagna in a convection oven?

Yes, but reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) to prevent over-browning.

Conclusion

Lasagna al Forno is a timeless Italian classic that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Its rich layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel make it a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish. Whether making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this authentic recipe is sure to be a favorite. Try it today and experience the true taste of Italy!

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