Introduction
This Spanish-Inspired Lasagna is a dish that combines the rich flavors of minced beef, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and tender pasta. Shared by a friend from Spain, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorite dinners. With layers of savory meat sauce and gooey cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1.3 lbs minced beef (600g)
- 10.6 oz chopped tomatoes (300g)
- 1.4 oz butter (40g)
- 1 leek (sliced and rinsed)
- 2 tbsp flour (16g)
- 2 cups milk (500ml)
- 2.8 oz grated Parmesan (80g)
- 10.6 oz pasta (300g)
- 5.3 oz shredded mozzarella (150g)
- Vegetable oil (as needed)
- 3 tsp salt (15g)
- 1 tsp black pepper (5g)
- 1 tsp sugar (5g)
- Pinch of nutmeg (to taste)
Instructions for Delicious Lasagna
Step 1: Prep the Meat Sauce
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add one finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add three crushed garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Minced Beef: Add 600g of minced beef to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even browning.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in 300g of chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a separate pan, melt 40g of butter over medium heat until it turns golden.
- Cook the Leek: Add the sliced and rinsed leek to the butter and sauté for about 8 minutes until tender and flavorful.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle 2 tbsp of flour over the leek and cook for an additional minute. Gradually whisk in 500ml of milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Season and Blend: Add 1 tsp of salt, a dash of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well, then remove from heat. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce until velvety.
- Add Parmesan: Grate 80g of Parmesan cheese and stir it into the sauce, allowing it to melt and infuse the sauce with richness.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Boil the Pasta: Cook 300g of pasta in salted water with 3 tbsp of vegetable oil until al dente. Drain well and mix with the cheese sauce to coat evenly.
- Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a layer of pasta. Top it with a generous portion of the meat sauce. Repeat the process for two more layers, ending with a final layer of pasta.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle 150g of shredded mozzarella over the top layer of pasta.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Place the assembled lasagna in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 5: Enjoy
- Serve Hot: Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool slightly before cutting into portions. Serve it hot and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Spanish-Inspired Lasagna is a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta layers makes it an unforgettable meal. Share it with friends and family, and savor the taste of this delightful recipe from Spain!