Classic Lasagna
Published: 30.11.2025
Lasagna is one of Italy's most famous dishes, with roots in the Bologna region where layered meat sauce (ragù), béchamel, and pasta are used. While some use wine in the sauce, it is perfectly authentic to make a version without – this is often done in homes where children will eat or when a cleaner taste is desired. Dried lasagna sheets are practical and widely used both in and outside of Italy, providing a firm and satisfying layered result – as long as they are handled correctly.

- Servings
- 2 servings
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 20 min
Ingredients
Meat Sauce (without wine)
- 300 g ground beef (or a mix)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, 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
Otherwise
- 6–8 dried lasagna sheets (not pre-cooked)
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 100 g grated mozzarella
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
- Grate the parmesan and mozzarella.
- Measure out the milk, tomato paste, and other ingredients.
- Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft.
- Add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until the meat is browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes and milk.
- Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 30–60 minutes.
- 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.
- Bring lightly salted water to a boil. Blanch the pasta sheets for 4–5 minutes until soft enough to bend.
- Carefully lift them onto clean kitchen towels, one by one.
- 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.
- 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 gratinated cheese. Dried pasta sheets provide a delightful structure that holds its shape with every 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.
Note: Information may contain errors. Always verify important facts yourself.
What to read next

Vestfold Meatballs from Hvarnes
Meatballs are a dish that most Norwegians have a connection to. This variant has a specific local tie to Hvarnes in Vestfold and stands out with ingredients like egg, baking soda, wheat flour, potato flour, and a distinct dose of nutmeg.

Beef Roast with Baby Potatoes
Beef roast with potatoes, vegetables, and brown sauce is a dinner that doesn't require many modern techniques. The most important factors are good meat, the right core temperature, and preserving the juices and drippings along the way.

Cauliflower Soup with Crispy Bacon
Cauliflower soup is one of those dishes that shows how little it takes to make a good dinner. Here, I let the cauliflower be the main flavor and use chicken stock and a bit of cream to give the soup body. On top, there's crispy bacon and small cauliflower florets sautéed in the bacon fat.