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**Homemade Lasagna with Minced Meat: A Comfort Food Classic**
Making lasagna from scratch may seem like an intimidating task, but it’s actually quite simple, and the reward is a dish that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a box. This recipe for **Homemade Lasagna with Minced Meat** combines tender layers of pasta with a flavorful beef and pork ragu, gooey melted cheese, and a velvety béchamel sauce. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Let’s dive into how you can create this classic Italian favorite from the comfort of your own kitchen.
**For the Meat Sauce (Ragu):**
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and diced
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef (you can also use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor)
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional but adds depth of flavor)
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
– 1/2 cup whole milk or cream (optional, for creaminess)
**For the Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce):**
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 3 cups whole milk
– A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
