A recipe is a guide that shows you how to prepare a delicious dish 🍽️, with a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions 👩🍳. You can find recipes in cookbooks, on websites, in magazines, or passed down lovingly through families and communities ❤️.
Homemade recipes have so many benefits! 🏡They give you full control over what goes into your food, so you can make meals that fit your taste and dietary needs. By cooking at home, you can choose fresh, whole ingredients and skip the additives and preservatives 🚫—making your food healthier and even more satisfying 😋.
Another great benefit of homemade recipes is that they can be more budget-friendly than buying prepared meals or eating out. When you cook at home, you can save money by choosing affordable ingredients, buying in bulk, and making the most of leftovers instead of purchasing new items every time.
Beyond saving money, homemade cooking has so much more to offer:
🍽️ It's more satisfying and enjoyable—both to make and to eat.
🥗 It's a delicious way to nourish yourself and your loved ones.
🧘♀️ It can be relaxing and therapeutic, giving you a chance to be creative and engage your senses.
Cooking at home can also bring people closer together. Whether you're inviting loved ones to help in the kitchen or sharing a meal at the table, it's a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories.
And let’s not forget—homemade meals are often more eco-friendly. With less packaging and food waste, every homemade dish is a small step toward a greener planet.
✨ Overall, homemade recipes offer a wide range of benefits:
✅ Better control over ingredients and portions
💸 Cost savings
😊 Enjoyment and satisfaction
👨👩👧👦 Stronger social connections
🌍 Eco-friendly choices
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, creating your own recipes can be a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience. So grab your apron, get creative, and enjoy the magic of homemade cooking! 🍲❤️
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
This traditional Lasagna Bolognese is a truly iconic Italian dish, featuring rich layers of slow-cooked meat ragù (Bolognese sauce), creamy béchamel sauce, tender pasta sheets, and generous amounts of Parmesan cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or a special Sunday dinner.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and pork (if using) to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until the wine has almost completely evaporated, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes/passata, beef broth, milk, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. Add a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before assembling.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and is smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Season with grated nutmeg, salt, and white pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside. Keep covered to prevent a skin from forming.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce (about 1/4 cup) on the bottom of a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the béchamel. Break noodles as needed to fit.
Spread about 1.5 cups of Bolognese sauce evenly over the pasta.
Drizzle with about 1/2 cup of béchamel sauce and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella if using).
Repeat the layers: pasta, Bolognese, béchamel, Parmesan. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, typically 4-5 layers, ending with a layer of pasta.
Finish the top layer with a generous amount of béchamel sauce and a thick layer of Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. If it's not browning enough, you can briefly use the broiler, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and prevents the lasagna from falling apart when served.
Serve: Slice into generous portions and serve warm.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Make Ahead: Bolognese sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 3 months. Béchamel can also be made a day ahead.
Pasta Choice: Fresh lasagna sheets or "no-boil" dry sheets work best. If using traditional dry sheets, check package instructions; some may require a brief pre-boil.
Freezing: Assembled but unbaked lasagna can be covered tightly and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake from frozen (this will increase baking time). Baked lasagna can also be frozen in individual portions.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a combination of vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.