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Lasagna al Forno: Authentic Italian Lasagna


  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

 Lasagna al Forno is a rich and authentic Italian dish featuring layers of fresh pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This comforting, oven-baked classic is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until slightly crisp.
  2. Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef or pork, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown evenly.
  5. Pour in red wine and let it reduce for a few minutes.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and canned tomatoes, breaking the tomatoes up with a spoon.
  7. Season with salt, black pepper, and a bay leaf. Simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

  1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute until golden.
  3. Gradually add warm milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
  4. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue stirring until thickened.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
  3. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by more meat sauce, béchamel, and grated Parmesan.
  4. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel and mozzarella on top.

Bake the Lasagna:

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • 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.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: italian

Keywords: Italian lasagna, lasagna al forno, homemade lasagna, baked pasta, traditional Italian recipe