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7 Must-Try Lasagne Recipes South Africa Loves
RecipesLifestyle

7 Must-Try Lasagne Recipes South Africa Loves

by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer April 26, 2026
written by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer

Few dishes gather people around a table quite like lasagne. It is rich, layered, bubbling at the edges and guaranteed to silence a room in the best way. Lasagne recipes South Africa families adore often carry a little extra flavour, whether that is a mince sauce, creamy white sauce or a generous handful of local cheddar. From relaxed Sunday lunches to celebratory dinners, this comfort classic never goes out of style.

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Lasagne has become a firm favourite in South African homes. Whether served at a Sunday family lunch, taken to a potluck, or baked ahead for a busy weeknight, this layered pasta dish delivers comfort, flavour and generous portions every time.

From classic beef versions to creative twists with chicken, vegetables and even braai-inspired flavours, lasagne is one of the most adaptable meals you can make. This guide explores seven lasagne styles that South Africans return to again and again, each one offering something slightly different while keeping that rich, layered appeal we all love.

Perfect beef lasagne

Perfect beef lasagne

Ingredients

    • 2 large onions, peeled
    • 2 large carrots, peeled
    • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
    • 2 T olive oil
    • 1 kg free-range lean beef mince
    • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
    • ¼ cup red wine (optional) Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Blend 750 ml
    • 1x410g can tomato purée
    • 1x410g can chopped tomatoes
    • ½ cup good-quality beef stock
    • 1 T tomato paste
    • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1 T balsamic vinegar
    • 300–400 g dried or fresh lasagne sheets, cooked and drained
    • 100 g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
    • paprika, for sprinkling
    • 100 g breadcrumbs

For the white sauce:

  • 75 g butter
  • 75 g flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Finely chop the onions, carrots and garlic in a food processor, then soften in the olive oil over a low heat for 5 minutes without allowing them to colour.

Increase the heat to medium and add the mince. Brown, then add the thyme and red wine and cook for 1–2 minutes.

Stir through the tomato purée, canned tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste and season to taste. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, then stir through the balsamic vinegar.

To make the white sauce, melt the butter in a pan over a low heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the milk, a little at a time and whisk it into the flour mixture until smooth. Simmer for a further minute, stirring continually, and season to taste.

Place a layer of mince in the bottom of an ovenproof dish, then top with a layer of pasta and white sauce. Repeat until the dish is full, finishing with a layer of white sauce. Sprinkle over the Parmigiano Reggiano, paprika and breadcrumbs. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden.

SOURCE: WOOLWORTHS TASTE

Everyones Easy Lasagne

Everyone’s Easy Lasagne 

Ingredients

  • 500 ml boiling water
  • 400 ml of water
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 125 ml cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 generous handful of baby spinach leaves
  • 410 g tin tomatoes, chopped
  • 15 ml oil
  • 48 g (1 sachet) Knorr spaghetti Bolognese (Bolognaise) dry cook-in-sauce
  • 38 g (x 3 sachets) Knorr creamy cheese pasta sauce
  • 500 g beef mince
  • 200 g preinstant lasagne sheets, cooked

Cooking Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a large ovenproof dish.
  2. In a pan, heat oil and fry the onion and mince until browned.
  3. Add the Knorr Spaghetti Bolognaise Dry Cook-in-Sauce, tomatoes and 400 ml water.
  4. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Prepare the Knorr Creamy Cheese Pasta Sauce by placing the contents of all packets in a big jug.
  6. Add 500 ml of rapidly boiling water and stir with a fork until the sauce is smooth and thick.
  7. Arrange the meat, spinach, lasagne sheets and cheese sauce in layers in the ovenproof dish (ending with cheese sauce).
  8. Allow to stand for 20 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the lasagne is tender and heated through.

SOURCE: WHATSFORDINNER.CO.ZA

Creamy Veggie Lasagne

Creamy Veggie Lasagne

Ingredients

Vegetables:

30 ml vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic clove(s) , diced
a red pepper, diced
3 large carrots, diced
3 baby marrow(s) , diced
3.5 ml salt
500 ml Napolitana tomato sauce
100 g baby spinach, roughly chopped

White sauce:

345 g LANCEWOOD® Medium Fat Smooth Cheese and Chives Cottage Cheese
1 large egg

To assemble:

250 g lasagne sheets
300 g LANCEWOOD® Medium Fat Mozzarella, grated 
LANCEWOOD® No Sugar Added Double Cream Pineapple & Coconut Yoghurt
 
Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Vegetables:

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and add the chopped vegetables and salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Add the pasta sauce and mix through. Add the baby spinach and simmer for 5 minutes.

White sauce:
Add the cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Add the egg and mix well.

To assemble:

  1. Add a layer of vegetables to a medium, greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with the lasagna sheets.
  2. Add 1/3 of the white sauce and spread evenly. Top with 75 g grated mozzarella. Repeat the layers ending with 150 g grated mozzarella.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a further 20 – 30 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the cheese golden.
  4. The perfect dinner or lunchbox leftover for work.
  5. Add a delicious 150 g LANCEWOOD® No Sugar Added Double Cream Pineapple & Coconut Yoghurt for a workday snack!

SOURCE: LANCEWOOD.CO.ZA

Tuna Lasagne

Tuna Lasagne

You Will Need:

Pasta

  • 1 packet of lasagne sheets
  • (We used 12 of the sheets for our dish to make 3 layers of pasta)

Cheese sauce

  • 4 T (60 ml) Ina Paarman’s White Sauce Powder
  • 4 T (60 ml) cold water
  • 2½ cups (625 ml) milk
  • 2 T (30 ml) butter
  • ½ cup (125 ml) grated pecorino cheese

Tuna sauce

  • 2 x 170 g tins of solid meat tuna in oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • ½ t (2,5 ml) Ina Paarman’s Green Onion Seasoning
  • 1 x 25 g Ina Paarman’s Liquid Fish Stock
  • 1 x 400 g Ina Paarman’s Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
  • 1 T (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 t (5 ml) sugar
  • Ina Paarman’s Lemon & Black Pepper Seasoning
  • 4 T (60 ml) Ina Paarman’s Sun-dried Tomato Pesto

To assemble

  • 250 g smooth cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) grated cheddar or pecorino cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh breadcrumbs
  • 2 T (30 ml) melted butter or olive oil

Method:

Soak the lasagne sheets, in batches, for 2 – 3 minutes in hot tap water. This improves the tenderness of the pasta and reduces the baking time. Spread the sheets out on baking paper.

Drain the oil from the tuna into a frying pan (the oil is full of flavour!) and sauté the onion, pre-seasoned with Green Onion Seasoning, in this until soft and beginning to brown.

Add the undiluted Fish Stock, tuna, Pasta Sauce, lemon juice and sugar. Season to taste and stir in Tomato Pesto. Keep on one side. Mix the White Sauce Powder with the cold water. Bring the milk nearly to the boil, add the white sauce slurry – stir until thickened. Add butter and ½ cup of grated cheese.

To assemble

Use a 30 x 24 cm ovenproof dish and butter it lightly. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Spread ¼ of the tuna sauce into the dish. Layer with pasta sheets.

Add another ¼ of tuna sauce. Dot teaspoonfuls of cottage cheese here and there (use ⅓). Spread ⅓ of the cheese sauce over. Repeat layering twice more and end with a layer of cheese sauce.

Mix the ¼ cup of grated cheese with the breadcrumbs and butter or oil. Sprinkle over the top. Bake for ± 45 minutes. Serve with a tossed salad, dressed with either our Reduced Oil Greek Dressing.

SOURCE: INA PAARMAN’S KITCHEN

Lasagna

Lasagna

Ingredients

  •  250g lasagne sheets or ribbon noodles
  •  Boil in salted water for 20 minutes. Drain.
  •  (Hint: boil only a few Lasagne sheets at a time to obtain the best results.)
  •  500g minced beef
  •  50g tomato paste
  •  1 clove garlic, chopped
  •  5 ml oil
  •  1 packet Royco® Brown Onion Packet Soup
  •  2 packets Royco® Cheddar Cheese Sauce
  •  375 ml water

Vegetarian

Replace the meat in this recipe with a selection of veg, which allows for a textured filling that is flavourful. We suggest 3 large carrots grated, 1 red bell pepper chopped and 3 medium baby marrows.

Family Friendly

Lasagna may be one of the ultimate kids’ meals, so get them involved in the steps and proud of what’s on their plate.

Method

  1. Fry the beef & garlic in the heated oil till beginning to go brown.
  2. Stir in the Royco® Brown Onion Packet Soup & gradually add the water.
  3. Add the tomato paste and continue to stir until thickened.
  4. Prepare 2 packets of Royco® Cheddar Cheese Sauce as per pack instructions.
  5. In a greased casserole, arrange the layers of the lasagne, meat sauce & cheese sauce and repeat until all are used, ending with the lasagne.
  6. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan & cheddar cheese and bake at 180°C for approximately 30 minutes.

SOURCE: ROYCO 

Boerewors lasagne

Boerewors lasagne

Ingredients

  • 4 T olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 500 g Woolworths Grabouw boerewors, removed from the casing
  • 70 g Tomato paste
  • 2 x 400 g cans of peeled chopped tomatoes
  • 1 T brown sugar
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 x 400 ml sachet Woolworths béchamel sauce
  • 1 x 250 box lasagne sheets
  • 100 g Woolworths basil pesto
  • 100 g Cheddar, grated
  • 100 g mozzarella, grated
  • Woolworths hard cheese, grated, for serving
  • salad, for serving
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Woolworths TASTE (@wwtaste)

Method

  1. Heat the olive oil in pan. Fry onions, thyme and garlic. Add the boerewors and fryfor 5 minutes or until browned, breaking it up into smaller chunks using a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes, sugar and seasoning. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if the tomatoes thicken too much.
  2. Using an ovenproof dish, layer the béchamel sauce, boerewors, lasagne sheets and pesto. Top with the Cheddar and mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
  3. Sprinkle with the hard cheese and serve with salad.

SOURCE: WOOLWORTHS TASTE

Best Chicken Lasagne

Best Chicken Lasagne

You Will Need:

Main Dish
  • 1 whole cooked chicken, cubed
  • 1 T (15 ml) Ina Paarman’s Chicken Flavour Stock Powder
  • 1 cup (250 ml) hot water – use an extra 125 ml water if the chicken is very dry
  • 1 t (5 ml) Ina Paarman’s Lemon & Black Pepper Seasoning
  • ½ cup (125 ml) parsley, chopped
  • 200 g flat lasagne sheets
  • 1 x 400 ml Ina Paarman’s Four Cheese Pasta Sauce
  • ½ cup (125 ml) fresh milk
  • 250 g smooth creamed cottage cheese
  • 1 egg

Method:

  1. Adjust oven rack to the middle position.
  2. Preheat oven to 180 °C.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with the Chicken Stock (dissolved in 1 cup of water), Lemon & Black Pepper Seasoning and parsley.
  4. Mix well.
  5. Set aside. Soak the lasagne sheets for 10 – 15 minutes in hot tap water.
  6. This dramatically improves the tenderness of the pasta and reduces the baking time of the lasagne to only 35 minutes.
  7. Spread sheets out on baking paper.
  8. Pour the Four Cheese Pasta Sauce into a medium bowl.
  9. Pour the milk into the empty pasta jar and shake well to get every bit out.
  10. Pour into the bowl, adding creamed cottage cheese and egg to thin the sauce down.
  11. Using a 30 cm x 24 cm ovenproof dish, spread ¼ of the cheese sauce mixture into the dish.
  12. Layer with a 1⁄3 of the pasta sheets, then 1⁄3 of the chicken mixture and another ¼ of the cheese sauce.
  13. Repeat layering twice more and end with a layer of cheese sauce mixture.
  14. Mix the grated cheese, olive oil or butter and fresh breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top.
  15. Bake for 35 minutes until nicely browned.

Serve with a well-dressed Italian salad with Ina Paarman’s Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette or Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing and country style bread.

SOURCE: INA PAARMAN’S KITCHEN

How to Choose the Right Lasagne for Your Occasion

When deciding which lasagne to prepare, consider:

  • The number of guests
  • Dietary preferences
  • Season and temperature
  • Whether it needs to be transported
  • How much preparation time you have

Lasagne remains one of the most practical dishes for entertaining because it can be assembled ahead and baked when needed.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Lasagne is ideal for busy households.

  • Assemble it earlier in the day and refrigerate before baking.
  • Freeze unbaked portions for future meals.
  • Reheat gently to preserve texture.
  • Allow it to rest after baking for cleaner slices.

Proper planning ensures flavour improves rather than dries out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular lasagne in South Africa?

Classic beef lasagne remains the favourite, especially for family meals and gatherings.

Can lasagne be made ahead of time?

Yes. It is one of the best make-ahead meals and often tastes better the next day.

What side dishes pair well with lasagne?

Simple green salads, garlic bread and roasted vegetables balance the richness.

Is vegetarian lasagne popular in South Africa?

Yes. Spinach and roasted vegetable variations are increasingly common.

Can lasagne be frozen?

Absolutely. It freezes well both before and after baking.

Final Thoughts

Lasagne continues to hold a special place in South African kitchens because it combines convenience, comfort and versatility. Whether you prefer the traditional beef version or a creative twist with vegetables or seafood, there is a lasagne variation to suit every table. By choosing the right style for your occasion and adding your favourite recipe underneath each section, you can create a dish that truly reflects what South Africans love about this layered classic.

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Ultimate Chicken Lasagne: A Hearty Family Favourite
LifestyleRecipes

Ultimate Chicken Lasagne: A Hearty Family Favourite

by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer March 9, 2025
written by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer

Chicken lasagne is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This ultimate version is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and a silky white béchamel. The layered flavours create a hearty meal that appeals to both young and old. Firstly, the chicken is cooked to perfection, adding a succulent taste that elevates the dish. Then, a robust tomato sauce with herbs infuses each bite with an Italian twist. Meanwhile, the creamy white sauce brings a luxurious texture that harmonises beautifully with the other layers.

This lasagne is designed with simplicity in mind. It is easy to prepare yet delivers a complex mix of flavours. The use of fresh herbs, a touch of garlic, and a blend of cheeses makes it both aromatic and delicious. Every layer is carefully assembled to ensure that the flavours meld together during baking. This dish is ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Moreover, it offers a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together over a comforting meal. With its golden, bubbling top and perfectly cooked interior, this chicken lasagne promises to be a standout addition to your culinary repertoire.

Preparation Time 

  • Ingredient Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cooking the Chicken & Tomato Sauce: 15 minutes
  • Making the White Sauce: 10 minutes
  • Assembling the Lasagne: 10 minutes
  • Baking Time: 35–40 minutes

Total time is approximately 85 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients for Chicken Lasagne

For the Chicken & Tomato Sauce:

    • 500 g chicken breast, diced or shredded
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 400 g chopped tomatoes (canned)
    • 200 g tomato passata
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 tsp dried basil
    • 1 tsp dried oregano

For the White Sauce (Béchamel):

      • 50 g butter
      • 50 g plain flour
      • 500 ml milk
      • A pinch of nutmeg
      • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

    • 9-12 lasagne sheets (oven-ready or pre-cooked as required)
    • 200 g mozzarella cheese, grated
    • 100 g parmesan cheese, grated

Directions to Make Chicken Lasagne

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.
  3. Add the chicken pieces. Cook until they are golden and nearly cooked through.
  4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato passata, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. In a separate pan, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir to form a roux.
  6. Gradually whisk in the milk. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  7. In a large baking dish, layer lasagne sheets, chicken tomato sauce, white sauce, and cheeses.
  8. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

How to Prepare Chicken Lasagne

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast and finely chop the onion and garlic. Next, heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft, then add the chicken. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato passata. Stir in the dried herbs and season well. Let the sauce simmer on a low heat to blend the flavours.

For the white sauce, start with melting the butter in a separate pan. Once melted, add the plain flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens. Add a pinch of nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Now, prepare your lasagne dish. Lay a single layer of lasagne sheets at the bottom. Spoon over some chicken tomato sauce, drizzle with white sauce, and sprinkle a layer of grated cheese. Continue layering until all ingredients are used. Ensure the top layer is well covered with cheese for a crisp finish.

Servings

This recipe yields 6–8 servings depending on portion size.

Ultimate Chicken Lasagne: A Hearty Family Favourite

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ultimate Chicken Lasagne

What makes this chicken lasagne ‘ultimate’?

This lasagne is packed with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and layers of pasta, making it a flavourful, hearty meal perfect for the whole family.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

Preparation usually takes 20-30 minutes, and baking takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on the recipe.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using pre-cooked shredded chicken can save time. Just mix it into the sauce and proceed with layering.

Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagne in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I freeze chicken lasagne?

Yes, lasagne freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Do I need to cook the lasagne sheets before assembling?

Most store-bought lasagne sheets are oven-ready and don’t need pre-cooking. However, if using fresh or traditional dried lasagne sheets, cook them slightly before layering.

Can I make this lasagne with a white sauce instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, for a richer, creamier version, you can use béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce or layer both for extra flavour.

Can I add vegetables to this lasagne?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, courgettes, bell peppers, or carrots are great additions for extra nutrients.

What type of cheese works best?
A mix of mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for flavour, and cheddar for richness works best. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture.

How do I stop my lasagne from being too runny?
Ensure the sauce is thick enough before assembling and let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up before slicing.

Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagne sheets and thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour.

How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

This ultimate chicken lasagne is a delightful, hearty dish that will soon become a family favourite. The combination of tender chicken, robust tomato sauce, and a luxuriously creamy white sauce creates a layered masterpiece. Each bite delivers a wonderful mix of textures and flavours that are sure to satisfy. The process is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. Preparing this lasagne brings a sense of accomplishment, as it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and warms your heart with every serving.

The versatility of this dish allows you to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or even vegetables, ensuring it can be adapted to suit your taste. Whether served at a family dinner or a special occasion, this chicken lasagne is sure to impress. The golden, bubbling cheese on top provides a delightful crunch, perfectly complementing the soft, flavourful layers beneath. Embrace the simplicity of this classic recipe and treat your loved ones to a meal that is as comforting as it is delicious. Try this best chicken lasagne today and enjoy a truly satisfying culinary experience.

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Classic beef lasagna
LifestyleRecipes

Classic beef lasagna

by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer August 18, 2024
written by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer
https://babyyumyum.com/wp-content/uploads/Classic-beef-lasagna-1.mp3

There's something undeniably comforting about a classic beef lasagna. With its rich layers of meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that has stood the test of time and continues to bring joy to tables everywhere.

BabyYumYum noticed this popular recipe from BBC GoodFood. Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeks when you need a hearty, homemade meal ready to go. By preparing this easy, homemade classic beef lasagna ahead of time and storing it uncooked in the freezer, you can ensure a delicious, hassle-free dinner with just an extra 45 minutes of baking time.

Ingredients for Homemade Classic Beef Lasagna

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing the dish)
  • 750g lean beef mince
  • 90g prosciutto
  • 800g passata or half of your preferred tomato sauce
  • 200ml hot beef stock
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • 300g fresh lasagna sheets
  • White sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 125g mozzarella, torn into thin strips

Method for Making Homemade Classic Beef Lasagna

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add 750g of lean beef mince to the pan in two batches, ensuring that each batch is browned evenly. This should take approximately 10 minutes per batch. The key is to achieve a rich, caramelised colour on the meat, which will enhance the flavour of your sauce.

2. Incorporate the Prosciutto

While the mince is cooking, finely chop 4 slices of prosciutto from a 90g pack. Once the beef is browned, stir the chopped prosciutto into the meat mixture. This adds a depth of flavour and a slight saltiness to the sauce, complementing the richness of the beef.

3. Create the Sauce Base

Pour 800g of passata or half of your basic tomato sauce recipe into the pan with the meat. Add 200ml of hot beef stock to enrich the sauce. Season with freshly grated nutmeg, adjusting to taste. Allow the sauce to come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken to a desirable consistency.

4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/Gas Mark 4. Lightly oil an ovenproof dish, approximately 30 x 20 cm in size, to prevent the lasagna from sticking.

5. Assemble the Lasagna

Start by spooning one-third of the meat sauce into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Place a layer of fresh lasagna sheets (from a 300g pack) over the meat sauce. Drizzle roughly 130g of white sauce over the pasta layer. You can use either a ready-made white sauce or make your own.

6. Layer and Build

Repeat the layering process until you have three layers of pasta. Ensure that each layer is well covered with meat sauce and white sauce. Finish by covering the top layer with the remaining 390g of white sauce, smoothing it out to ensure no pasta is visible.

7. Add the Final Touches

Scatter 125g of torn mozzarella over the top layer of the lasagna. This will create a delicious, gooey topping once baked. Arrange any remaining prosciutto on top for added flavour and texture.

8. Bake the Lasagna

Place the assembled lasagna into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. The baking time ensures that the flavours meld together and the lasagna is heated through completely.

Freezing and Reheating Tips

To make this lasagna ahead of time, follow these steps:

  1. Assemble the Lasagna: Follow the preparation and assembly steps as described, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the dish with cling film or aluminum foil.
  2. Freeze: Place the unbaked lasagna in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  3. Reheat: When ready to use, remove the lasagna from the freezer and bake directly from frozen. Add an extra 45 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.

Making this classic beef lasagna ahead of time and freezing it is a smart strategy for busy schedules. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this lasagna recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the convenience and comfort of homemade lasagna, all while saving time and reducing stress.

SOURCE: BBC GOODFOOD

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by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer January 4, 2026

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August 18, 2024 0 comments
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