Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sauté for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions turn golden and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release its flavor.
- Add Tomatoes & Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and stir in fresh chopped basil.
- Prepare Mashed Potato Layer: Mix the mashed potatoes with cream, salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a medium baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer pre-cooked lasagna sheets over the sauce, then add a layer of meat sauce, mozzarella, and a layer of the mashed potato mixture. Repeat, ending with a layer of pasta and sauce.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
- Difficulty: Medium
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use ricotta cheese instead of mashed potatoes for a more traditional lasagna texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
- Sprinkle some smoked mozzarella or fontina on top for a richer, more flavorful finish.
Serving Suggestions
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