How to Layer Classic Italian Lasagna: 4 Simple Steps for Perfect Results

How to Layer Classic Italian Lasagna: 4 Simple Steps for Perfect Results

By Dr. Marcus Chen, Ph.D.

November 19, 2024 at 02:26 AM

Layer Classic Italian Lasagna in 4 Simple Steps

Meat sauce ragu with ground beef

Meat sauce ragu with ground beef

A classic Italian lasagna consists of four layers of ragù meat sauce, béchamel sauce, cheese, and pasta noodles.

Layered lasagna with melted cheese

Layered lasagna with melted cheese

Ingredients Per Layer:

  • 20 oz ragù meat sauce
  • 20 oz béchamel sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 5 lasagna noodles (20-inch long)

Lasagna ingredients laid out in trays

Lasagna ingredients laid out in trays

Layering Instructions:

  1. Bottom Layer: Spread 20 oz ragù and 20 oz béchamel, mix together. Cover with noodles.

First layer of raw lasagna noodles

First layer of raw lasagna noodles

  1. Middle Layers: Add ragù, béchamel, both cheeses, and noodles. Alternate noodle direction for stability.

Adding cheese layer to lasagna

Adding cheese layer to lasagna

  1. Top Layer: Add final layer, poke holes through noodles (if using uncooked), pour 1/2 cup milk over top.

Layered beef and cheese lasagna

Layered beef and cheese lasagna

  1. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes in a convection oven.

Baked meat and cheese lasagna

Baked meat and cheese lasagna

Pro Tips:

  • No need to pre-cook noodles
  • Alternate noodle direction for better structure
  • Traditional recipe uses beef ragù, but any ground meat works
  • Poke holes in top layer to ensure even cooking

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