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THE BEST LASAGNA WITH A TWIST – RICH RAGU AND AROMATIC PARMESAN

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THE BEST LASAGNA WITH A TWIST – RICH RAGU AND AROMATIC PARMESAN

THE BEST LASAGNA WITH A TWIST – RICH RAGU AND AROMATIC PARMESAN

Lasagna is timeless and beloved, and this version, enhanced with a special green Parmesan, took my classic to the next level. Preparing the ragu sauce a day ahead saves time and intensifies flavor. You can also freeze extra ragu portions for convenience.

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min (+ ragu preparation time)

🍳 Cook Time: 45 min
🍽️ Yields: 4 large servings

Ingredients

  • 8 lasagna sheets (Barilla recommended)
  • 1 batch ragu sauce (see recipe)
  • 100 g aromatic Parmesan cheese, grated (or regular Parmesan)
  • 2 batches béchamel sauce (from 600 ml milk)
  • A splash of oil (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ragu sauce 2-3 days in advance if possible; refrigerate and gently reheat before use.
  2. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 20×20 cm baking dish (I used a square Pyrex).
  3. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook 3-4 lasagna sheets at a time until they float or follow package instructions. Though Barilla sheets say no boiling needed, I recommend boiling to avoid a watery béchamel. Drain sheets on a clean cotton towel.
  4. Prepare béchamel sauce with double quantities: 100 g butter, 2 heaping tbsp flour, 600 ml milk. Add a pinch of nutmeg for flavor harmony with ragu. The béchamel should be pourable but creamy; thin with milk if needed.
  5. Spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 2 lasagna sheets slightly overlapping.
  6. Spoon about 2 ladles of ragu over sheets, spreading evenly with the back of a spoon.
  7. Add a generous layer of béchamel sauce on top, then sprinkle Parmesan evenly.
  8. Repeat layers (lasagna sheets, ragu, béchamel, Parmesan) until all sheets are used. On the final layer, use only béchamel and plenty of Parmesan—no ragu.
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  10. Remove foil, turn on grill/broiler, and brown the top until golden and crisp (watch carefully). If no grill option, remove foil and bake a few extra minutes.
  11. Let cool 10-15 minutes before serving. Reheats well in microwave or oven.

💡 Tips

  • Prepare ragu in advance to enhance flavors and reduce cooking day work.
  • Boil pasta sheets briefly to prevent excess moisture.
  • Adjust béchamel consistency for a creamy but not thick sauce.
  • Use aromatic Parmesan or regular grated cheese if unavailable.
  • Let lasagna rest before serving to set layers.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Family dinners and gatherings
  • Comfort food lovers
  • Make-ahead meals and batch cooking
  • Classic Italian cuisine enthusiasts

📝 Final Thoughts

This lasagna balances rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and aromatic Parmesan in perfect harmony. A bit of prep ahead and simple layering creates a mouthwatering, unforgettable dish.