Lasagne Bolognese

Here’s a delicious recipe for Lasagne Bolognese, along with instructions and a calorie counter:

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked or oven-ready)
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Bolognese Sauce

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
3. Add the Tomato Base: Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer: Add the whole milk, stir, and let the sauce simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop rich flavors.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make a Roux: Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
3. Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagne

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions if you’re not using oven-ready noodles. Drain and set aside.
3. Layering: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom.
   • Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top.
   • Spread a layer of Bolognese sauce, then a layer of Béchamel sauce.
   • Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese.
   • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of Béchamel and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
5. Rest: Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Garnish: Serve with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Optional Tips:

• For added depth of flavor, let the Bolognese sauce simmer longer (up to 2 hours).
• Make the Bolognese and Béchamel sauces a day ahead to save time.

Calorie Counter (per serving, recipe serves 8):

Bolognese Sauce:

• Ground beef (1 lb): ~960 calories
• Ground pork (1/2 lb): ~680 calories
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): ~240 calories
• Onion (1 small): ~30 calories
• Carrot (1 medium): ~25 calories
• Celery (1 stalk): ~10 calories
• Garlic (2 cloves): ~10 calories
• Tomato paste (1/4 cup): ~50 calories
• Diced tomatoes (1 can): ~80 calories
• Beef broth (1/2 cup): ~10 calories
• Red wine (optional, 1/2 cup): ~100 calories
• Whole milk (1 cup): ~150 calories

Total for Bolognese Sauce: ~2,345 calories

Béchamel Sauce:

• Butter (4 tbsp): ~400 calories
• Flour (1/4 cup): ~120 calories
• Whole milk (2 cups): ~300 calories

Total for Béchamel Sauce: ~820 calories

For Assembly:

• Lasagna noodles (12 noodles): ~800 calories
• Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 cups): ~600 calories

Total Calories (whole lasagne): ~4,565 calories
Calories per serving (serves 8): ~570 calories per serving

Enjoy your rich, creamy, and comforting Lasagne Bolognese!