If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal to enjoy with your family or friends, look no further than this Best Meat Lasagna without Ricotta Cheese recipe! Packed with savory flavors and layers of goodness, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich and flavorful bolognese sauce made with a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Creamy and indulgent bechamel sauce that adds a luxurious touch to the lasagna.
- Layers of lasagna noodles and gooey mozzarella cheese that create a satisfying and comforting dish.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Bolognese:
- Lean ground beef and Italian sausage for a robust flavor.
- Olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
- Carrots, onion, celery, and zucchini for added depth and texture.
- Garlic, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
- Milk (optional) to add richness.
- Tomato sauce, basil, and parsley for a flavorful sauce.
For the Bechamel:
- Olive oil or butter for the base.
- Flour to thicken the sauce.
- Milk and parmesan cheese for creaminess.
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg for seasoning.
For the Lasagna:
- Lasagna noodles for layering.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for melty goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef and sausage in a large saucepan until fully cooked, then remove excess fat.
- Sauté carrots, onion, celery, and zucchini until softened, then add garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked meat with milk, tomato sauce, and herbs, and simmer for rich flavors.
- Make a bechamel sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and adding milk and cheese.
- Cook lasagna noodles, then layer with bolognese, bechamel, and mozzarella.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown, then let rest before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Use whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
- Opt for freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt.
- Let the bolognese sauce simmer longer for a richer taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Grate fresh nutmeg into the bechamel for a warm and aromatic flavor.
- Use a mix of different cheeses like parmesan and fontina for a more complex taste.
- Add a splash of red wine to the bolognese sauce for depth and richness.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this meat lasagna with a green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. For storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I substitute the ground beef and sausage with other meats? Yes, feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of different meats.
- Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.
- Can I omit the bechamel sauce? While it adds creaminess, you can skip it and layer the lasagna with just the bolognese and cheese.
Conclusion:
With its layers of rich bolognese, creamy bechamel, and gooey cheese, this Best Meat Lasagna without Ricotta Cheese recipe is a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this lasagna is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Give it a try and share your feedback with us – we’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
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Best Meat Lasagna without Ricotta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious meat lasagna recipe made without ricotta cheese, featuring layers of flavorful bolognese sauce, creamy bechamel, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Bolognese:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, ground or with casings removed
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 small zucchini, grated and squeezed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
- 1 24 ounce jar high-quality tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Bechamel:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 tablespoons flour (white whole wheat or whole wheat)
- 3 cups 2% milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (whole wheat or regular)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Bolognese: Brown ground beef and sausage, add vegetables and cook until softened. Add in remaining ingredients, simmer for 2 hours.
- Bechamel: Make a roux, whisk in milk, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Lasagna: Layer noodles, bolognese, bechamel, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover and bake, then uncover and bake until bubbly and browned. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- For a more nutrient-rich lasagna, use whole wheat noodles and flour.
- Evaporated milk can be used for a thicker bechamel sauce.
- Bechamel can be made with various fats and flours.
- The longer the bolognese simmers, the richer it becomes.
- Pre-shredded mozzarella can be used if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
