Classic Lasagna

Ingredients:

For 2 servings

Meat Sauce (without wine):

• 300 g ground meat (beef or a mix)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 dl milk
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Béchamel Sauce:

• 30 g butter
• 30 g all-purpose flour
• 5 dl milk
• Grated nutmeg to taste
• Salt and white pepper

Additionally:

• 6–8 dried lasagna sheets (uncooked)
• 50 g grated parmesan
• 100 g grated mozzarella

Instructions (mise en place):

1. Mise en place:
   • Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
   • Grate the parmesan and mozzarella.
   • Measure out the milk, tomato paste, and other ingredients.
2. Meat Sauce:
   • Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft.
   • Add the garlic and ground meat. Cook until the meat is browned.
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes and milk.
   • Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 30–60 minutes.
3. Béchamel Sauce:
   • Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour, and whisk for 1–2 minutes.
   • Gradually add the milk while whisking. Bring to a boil and let simmer until the sauce thickens.
   • Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
4. Blanching the Pasta Sheets:
   • Bring lightly salted water to a boil. Blanch the pasta sheets for 4–5 minutes until they are soft enough to bend.
   • Carefully lift them onto clean kitchen towels, one by one.
5. Assembly:
   • Preheat the oven to 200°C.
   • Grease a baking dish and layer: a bit of meat sauce, pasta sheets, béchamel. Repeat.
   • Top with the remaining béchamel and sprinkle with parmesan and mozzarella.
6. Baking:
   • Bake in the middle of the oven for 30–40 minutes until the top is golden.
   • Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Flavor Profile:

Rich and meaty, balanced with mild, creamy béchamel and hearty gratin cheese. Dried pasta sheets provide a delightful texture that holds its shape with each bite.

Glass Type or Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a fresh arugula and tomato salad and perhaps a glass of soda with lime or a non-alcoholic Italian drink.

Summary:

This classic lasagna without wine is a tribute to Italian home cooking. With a rich meat sauce based on beef, tomatoes, and milk, and a silky béchamel seasoned with nutmeg, you get an authentic Bologna-inspired dinner. Dried lasagna sheets that are blanched before assembly provide perfect texture and stability. The dish is family-friendly, alcohol-free, and full of flavor – ideal for both everyday luxury and weekend comfort. Serve with a fresh salad and a tangy non-alcoholic drink for a complete experience.