Lidia Bastianich Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

Lidia Bastianich’s Lasagna Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that brings together the best of hearty meat sauce and comforting pasta. Chef Bastianich, known for her authentic Italian cuisine, has created a delicious recipe that showcases the flavors of Bologna, Italy.

With its rich and flavorful bolognese sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and a blend of cheeses, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy you.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, milk, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions and drain.
6. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Spread a thin layer of the bolognese sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and another layer of sauce. Repeat the layering process once more.
9. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality beef for the bolognese sauce to ensure the best flavor.
• For a thicker sauce, simmer the bolognese sauce for a longer period of time or reduce the liquid by cooking it uncovered.
• Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente so they don’t become too soft during baking.
• Use a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a perfect balance of creaminess and flavor.
• Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and the cheese to firm up.
• If you’re making the lasagna ahead of time, you can assemble it the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• If you like a little extra texture, add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the bolognese sauce.
• Serve the lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Lidia Bastianich’s lasagna bolognese is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please. The rich and hearty bolognese sauce combined with tender lasagna noodles and a delicious cheese mixture makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey.

Can I freeze the lasagna bolognese before baking it?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Cover with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.