Classic Italian Lasagna

Ingredients

• 4 tbs Olive Oil
• 800g ground Beef
• 400g Italian Sausage
• 1 Large Onion
• 1 Carrot
• 2 Celery Stalks
• 3 cloves of Garlic
• 200ml Red Wine
• 1kg Peeled Tomatoes
• Handful of Fresh Parsley
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 200g Butter
• 200g Flour
• 500ml Milk
• 1tsp Nutmeg
• 200g grated Parmesan Cheese (for ricotta mix)
• 750g Ricotta Cheese
• 1 Egg
• Handful of Fresh Basil
• 500g Lasagna Pasta Sheets
• 400g Mozzarella Cheese
• 200g Parmesan Cheese (for layering)

Method

1. 1

   Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and mince the garlic.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped vegetables and garlic, and sauté until softened.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat until browned.

4. 4

   Pour in the red wine and simmer until mostly reduced.

5. 5

   Add the peeled tomatoes and chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer on low heat to develop flavor.

6. 6

   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened, then stir in the nutmeg.

7. 7

   In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 200g grated parmesan, egg, fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste.

8. 8

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

9. 9

   Assemble the lasagna in a baking dish by alternating layers of meat sauce, pasta sheets, ricotta mixture, béchamel, and mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.

10. 10

    Bake until bubbly and golden on top, then let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.