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Classic Lasagna with Bolognese and Béchamel

Classic Lasagna with Bolognese and Béchamel

Few dishes define Italian comfort like a proper lasagna. Layered with slow-simmered Bolognese, silky béchamel, and fresh pasta sheets, this recipe brings together tradition and technique in every bite. Using Martone Street Signature Pomodoro Sauce, you get the depth of a long-cooked pasta sauce with the balance and simplicity that make this dish unforgettable.

Serves 8

Ingredients

For the Fresh Pasta Sheets:
3 ¼ cup 00 flour
1/3 cup semolina
9 egg yolks
1 whole egg
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup water

For the Bolognese:
Neutral oil, like avocado or grapeseed
4 oz pancetta, small diced
2 ribs celery, food processed
2 carrots, food processed
1 large yellow onion
Kosher salt
1 lb ground veal
1 lb ground pork
1 cup white wine
1 cup chicken stock
1 (24-oz) jar Martone St Signature Pomodoro Sauce

For the Fontina & Parmigiano Béchamel:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for layering the lasagna

Instructions

For the Pasta Sheets:
Mound the flour and semolina on a board (or in a bowl). Make a well in the center, add the eggs, salt, olive oil, and water, and begin incorporating the flour until a shaggy dough forms.

Bring the dough together with your hands and knead for 7–10 minutes, until smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky. If the dough seems dry, spritz it lightly with water and keep kneading. Add a dusting of flour only if it’s too sticky.

Wrap the dough tightly in cling wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Cut the dough into pieces. Working with one at a time, roll it through your pasta machine, starting on the widest setting. Fold the sheet in thirds the first 2 passes on the widest setting to build structure, then continue working down to the second-to-last setting.

Trim sheets to fit your baking dish.

Bring a large pot of salted water (it should taste like broth) to a boil. Boil the sheets for about 2 minutes, then lay them flat on clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.

For the Bolognese:
Add a drizzle of neutral oil to a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until the fat has rendered and the pancetta is lightly golden.

Meanwhile, pulse the celery, carrot, and onion in a food processor until finely minced. Add the mixture to the pot with the pancetta and cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes. Season the vegetables with kosher salt.

Lightly season the ground meats with kosher salt, then add them to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until evenly browned and most of the moisture has cooked off.

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and cook until nearly all the liquid has reduced.

Stir in the chicken stock and cook until slightly reduced, then add the pomodoro sauce. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

For the Fontina & Parmigiano Béchamel:
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and foamy, whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour the warm milk into the butter and flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, 6–8 minutes.

Add the kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Remove from heat and whisk in the fontina and Parmigiano until melted and silky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Lasagna Assembly:

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil your baking dish.For the base layer, spread a thin layer of béchamel over the bottom of the dish, then add a layer of bolognese. Top with a sheet of pasta.Continue layering in this order - béchamel, bolognese, Parmigiano, pasta - until you’ve used all the components.End with a final layer of bolognese, a layer of béchamel, and a generous sprinkling of Parmigiano on top.Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, until golden, puffy, and bubbling around the edges.Let the lasagna rest at least 15–20 minutes before slicing, so the layers set, and the sauce thickens slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This lasagna is best served with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon to balance its richness. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce, and a glass of red wine brings everything together.

For a brighter contrast at the table, pair it with dishes made using Mediterranean Style Sauce. If you prefer a little heat, Arrabbiata Calabrian Chili & Garlic Sauce is a great choice for your next pasta night.

Try It with Martone Street Sauce

At Martone Street, we believe great lasagna starts with great pasta sauce. Our Signature Pomodoro Sauce is crafted with simple ingredients and balanced flavor, giving your Bolognese the depth of a long-simmered sauce without unnecessary steps.

Explore our full pasta sauce collection and bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pasta sheets?

Yes. While fresh pasta adds a delicate texture, high-quality dried lasagna sheets can be used as a shortcut.

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What makes a great lasagna sauce?

A great lasagna sauce is balanced, rich, and slow-simmered. Using a high-quality base like Signature Pomodoro helps build that depth.

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