Lasagna is one of the most loved dishes from Italy known for its comforting layers of pasta rich tomato sauce creamy béchamel and melted cheese. It is a warm cozy meal that fills the house with aroma and brings people together around the table. A well made lasagna is soft yet structured cheesy yet balanced and full of deep flavors that blend beautifully as it bakes.
Although lasagna looks grand and complex it is actually very simple when done step by step. The key is to prepare each component with care and then build clean layers that bake into a perfect unified dish. This recipe goes through every stage in detail from making the sauce to layering the pasta sheets and baking it to golden perfection.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Half cup water
For the Béchamel White Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt to taste
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of nutmeg optional
For the Lasagna Layers
- 8 to 10 lasagna sheets
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- Fresh basil leaves optional
Step by Step Method to Make Traditional Italian Lasagna
Step 1
Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a deep pan.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree and tomato paste.
- Add oregano basil salt chilli flakes and sugar.
- Add half cup water and mix well.
- Let it simmer on low flame for fifteen to twenty minutes until it thickens and becomes rich in flavor.
The sauce should be slightly tangy slightly sweet and deeply aromatic.
Step 2
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt butter in a pan on low flame.
- Add all purpose flour and stir continuously for two minutes.
- Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Cook until the sauce becomes creamy smooth and slightly thick.
- Add salt black pepper and nutmeg.
- Mix well and turn off the heat.
This sauce adds creaminess and softness to every layer.
Step 3
Prepare the Pasta Sheets
- Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt.
- Add lasagna sheets and cook until soft but still firm.
- Drain and place them flat on a plate to avoid sticking.
Step 4
Layer the Lasagna
Use a baking dish for this step.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom.
- Place lasagna sheets to cover the base.
- Add a layer of tomato sauce.
- Add a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all sheets and sauces are used.
- Finish the top layer with béchamel and a generous amount of cheese.
The layering should look smooth neat and balanced.
Step 5
Bake the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Bake the lasagna for twenty five to thirty minutes until the top becomes golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for ten minutes before cutting.
Resting allows the layers to set properly.
Step 6
Serve Warm and Enjoy
Cut into neat squares and serve.
You can garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch.
Serve with
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Soup
- Roasted vegetables
The richness of lasagna pairs beautifully with something fresh or crunchy on the side.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
- Do not make sauces too thick they should be spreadable
- Always rest the lasagna after baking
- Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for best flavor and stretch
- Add more herbs for a stronger Italian aroma
- Make clean layers for a beautiful final cut
Variations You Can Try
- Add spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version
- Add minced chicken or turkey for a lighter non veg option
- Add ricotta cheese for a more classic Italian taste
- Make a spicy version by adding chilli flakes
Approximate Nutrition per Serving
Values may vary
- Calories 400 to 550
- Carbohydrates 45g
- Protein 18g
- Fat 20 to 30g