Lasagna Bolognese

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (450g) ground beef
1 pound (450g) ground pork
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg

For the Lasagna:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

-Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

-To make the Bolognese sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

-Add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.

-Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

-To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

-Gradually whisk in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

-To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top.

-Spread a layer of Bolognese sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

-Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

-Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot.

-Enjoy your Classic Lasagna Bolognese with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian feast!