Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the Ragu
- Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and celeriac and cook for 5–8 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add minced beef and brown properly before breaking it up.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for 25–40 minutes until thick but still slightly saucy.
Make the béchamel
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer gently until thick and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir in parmesan if using.
Assemble
- In a 26 × 17 cm dish:Thin base layer of ragùLasagne sheetsRagùBéchamel
- Repeat for 2–3 layers, finishing with a generous layer of béchamel.
- Refrigerate for a few hours before baking for a more structured finish.
- Top with grated cheese just before baking.
- Bake at 180°C (fan) or 200°C conventional for 45–50 minutes, until golden, bubbling and heated through.
- Let stand for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Ragu should be slightly saucy, not dry before layering.
- Use enough béchamel, especially for the top layer.
- Add cheese just before baking for best texture.
- Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing for clean layers.