A friend from Spain showed me this recipe, and it’s the best dinner I’ve ever eaten! This lasagna combines rich, savory meat sauce with creamy, cheesy layers for a dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1.3 pounds (600g) minced beef
- 3.4 fluid ounces (100ml) dry red wine
- 10.6 ounces (300g) chopped tomatoes
- 1.4 ounces (40g) butter (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 leek
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups (500ml) milk
- 2.8 ounces (80g) grated Parmesan (about 2/3 cup)
- 10.6 ounces (300g) pasta
- 5.3 ounces (150g) shredded mozzarella (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Vegetable oil
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Begin by frying one finely chopped onion in vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes.
- Add three crushed garlic cloves and fry for an additional minute.
- Add 600g of ground beef to the pan and fry for approximately 10 minutes, making sure to stir constantly to achieve even browning.
- Season the beef with 100ml of dry red wine, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Continue to cook until the liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in 300g of chopped tomatoes and 1 tsp of sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, and then remove it from the heat.
- Prepare the White Sauce:
- In a separate pan, melt 40g of butter until it turns golden. Add sliced and rinsed leek, and sauté for about 8 minutes until the leek becomes tender and flavorful.
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp of flour into the pan and cook for an additional minute. Gradually whisk in 500ml of milk until the sauce thickens.
- Add 1 tsp of salt, a dash of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until well combined, then remove the sauce from the heat.
- For a smooth texture, blend the sauce until it becomes creamy. Grate 80g of Parmesan and stir it into the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook 300g of pasta in salted water with 3 tbsp of vegetable oil until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the creamy sauce, coating it evenly.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- In a baking dish, start by spreading a layer of pasta. Top it with a generous layer of the savory meat sauce.
- Repeat this process for two more layers, finishing with a final layer of pasta.
- Top with 150g of shredded mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Bake in the oven for 40 minutes at 180°C (360°F).
- Serve:
- Once your Spanish-inspired lasagna has cooled slightly, cut into portions and serve it piping hot. Enjoy the combination of tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and gooey cheese!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Popular Questions:
Q: Can I use another type of meat? A: Yes, you can substitute minced beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor and nutritional profile.
Q: Can this lasagna be made ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, lasagna freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing. Reheat it in the oven when ready to eat.
Q: What can I serve with this lasagna? A: A fresh green salad and a slice of garlic bread make excellent accompaniments to this hearty lasagna.