Name: Classic Beef Lasagna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ medium onion, grated; 1 large carrot, grated; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; Black pepper, to taste; 2 pinches dried oregano; 16-20 oz. ground beef; 2 tbsp tomato puree; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp red wine; 1 (16 oz) can tomatoes; 2-3 oz milk; Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1 oz butter; 50 ml milk; Pinch of ground nutmeg

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Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Beef Lasagna is a comforting, layered masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of beef and vegetables with a smooth, creamy béchamel sauce. Each layer, from the seasoned meat mixture to the tender pasta sheets, creates a symphony of flavor that feels like a warm embrace in every bite. This lasagna is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing friends with an Italian-inspired feast. The creamy béchamel sauce and savory beef filling blend beautifully, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad and some garlic bread for an unforgettable meal that brings everyone to the table.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
½ medium onion, grated
1 large carrot, grated
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Black pepper, to taste
2 pinches dried oregano
16-20 oz. ground beef
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp red wine
1 (16 oz) can tomatoes
2-3 oz milk
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

- 1 oz butter
- 50 ml milk
- Pinch of ground nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan, adding grated onion, carrot, and crushed garlic. Cook until softened, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, oregano, and red wine. Add canned tomatoes and break them up with a spoon.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cooking for about 30 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add milk and ground nutmeg, whisking continuously until thickened.
To assemble, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of an oven-safe dish. Layer lasagna sheets on top, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat with meat sauce and pasta sheets, ending with a final layer of béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Origins of Lasagna

Lasagna is one of Italy’s oldest pasta dishes, with origins tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome. The dish we know today evolved in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, known for its rich culinary traditions and use of creamy sauces, hearty meats, and fresh pasta. Classic Italian lasagna includes layers of meat, tomatoes, herbs, cheese, and pasta sheets, which are then baked to meld the flavors together.

This lasagna recipe embraces these roots while bringing a modern twist. Gordon Ramsay enhances traditional ingredients by using a blend of ground beef, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and Worcestershire sauce. His addition of red wine to the meat sauce infuses an earthy richness that deepens the flavor profile, making each bite unforgettable.

What Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna Unique?

Flavor Layers: Ramsay’s recipe carefully balances flavors to ensure no ingredient overpowers the others. The rich meat sauce is prepared with layers of flavor from grated vegetables, garlic, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of red wine, which enhances the dish with complex, savory notes.
Creamy Béchamel Sauce: Instead of the traditional ricotta, Ramsay opts for a classic béchamel sauce. Béchamel is made with butter, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg, resulting in a smooth, velvety sauce that enriches each layer. It provides a luxurious mouthfeel, binding the pasta and meat sauce while offering a delicate creaminess.
Fresh Pasta Option: For the lasagna sheets, you have the option of using fresh pasta, which lends a softer texture and faster cooking time. Ramsay’s technique ensures the pasta remains perfectly al dente, so each bite has just the right amount of chew.

Benefits of This Recipe

Nutritious Ingredients: This lasagna recipe includes grated vegetables like onions and carrots, providing additional vitamins and fiber to the dish. The beef adds essential protein and iron, making it a balanced meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Flavorful and Satisfying: Thanks to the seasoning, wine, and high-quality ingredients, the dish packs a robust flavor without the need for additional sauces or sides. The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor that is unique to this recipe, ensuring it stands out from traditional lasagnas.
Versatile: This recipe can be adjusted based on personal dietary preferences. For a lighter option, you can substitute the ground beef with leaner meats such as ground turkey or chicken. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, you can swap the beef with mushrooms and lentils, which provide a hearty texture and earthy flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna

Cook the Meat Sauce Slowly: Simmering the meat sauce for 30 minutes allows the flavors to develop fully. The slow-cooked beef, red wine, and tomatoes create a sauce with a rich, robust flavor that makes each layer truly mouthwatering.
Balance the Seasoning: Ramsay’s recipe emphasizes a balanced seasoning with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Tasting the sauce before layering ensures it’s perfectly seasoned, enhancing each bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
Use High-Quality Cheese: For the topping, Ramsay’s lasagna uses grated cheese that melts to a bubbly, golden layer on top. High-quality Parmesan or mozzarella will make a noticeable difference, as their creamy textures complement the béchamel and meat layers beautifully.
Layering Technique: Ramsay’s method involves alternating layers of meat sauce, béchamel, and lasagna sheets. Starting with a thin layer of meat sauce on the base prevents the pasta from sticking, while finishing with a final layer of béchamel topped with cheese creates a golden, creamy crust.

Why Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna Is a Crowd-Pleaser

This lasagna is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or even a meal prep option, as it can be refrigerated or frozen for future use. It has the comfort factor of a classic lasagna but with the complexity of a chef-level dish, making it ideal for anyone looking to impress guests or treat themselves to something special.

Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe brings a restaurant-quality dining experience into your own kitchen. By following Ramsay’s careful instructions and layering techniques, even novice cooks can achieve a dish that feels gourmet.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The balanced flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes, making it a great choice for entertaining. The meat sauce is rich without being too heavy, and the creamy béchamel provides a touch of elegance that will impress diners of all ages.

Suggested Side Dishes

To elevate this dish further, consider serving it with garlic bread for added texture and a classic Caesar salad to balance the richness. The crispiness of garlic bread and the refreshing bite of salad offer perfect contrast to the creamy layers of lasagna, rounding out the meal beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s lasagna recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Every layer, from the hearty meat sauce to the creamy béchamel, tells a story of flavor and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a lasagna lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The robust flavors, rich textures, and customizable ingredients make this lasagna a truly unforgettable dish that satisfies both classic cravings and modern culinary expectations.