Prepare Delicious Make-Ahead Lasagna Bolognese: Savor the Flavor
Gonna whip up a tasty make-ahead lasagna alla bolognese? Here's a down-to-earth recipe you won't forget! Friendly Ragu alla Bolognese and Béchamel Sauce will take center stage in this delectable Italian classic.
Get ready for a simple yet mouthwatering version of this dish.
Preparation: You can prep this dish in advance, going up to step 3. Wrap it snugly with aluminum foil and slide it into the fridge for up to a day. When you're ready, let it warm up to room temp before chucking it in the oven.
- Serves: 8 to 12 gangsters
- Difficulty: Somewhat difficult, but worth the struggle
- Total: 1 hr 45 mins, but who's counting?
- Active: 45 minutes of your life you'll never get back
Ingredients (5 categories)
- 10 cups of the lick-worthy Ragu alla Bolognese (check out the intro for the secrets)
- 1 (9-ounce) box of no-boil lasagna noodles
- 12 ounces of mild provolone cheese, thinly sliced to perfection
- 4 cups of the smooth and creamy Béchamel Sauce (not a drop of doubt about how good it'll be!)
- 1 cup of the finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for that tangy kick
How to make it happen (Because I ain't gonna explain it twice!)
- Crank up the oven to 375°F, and find a spot for a rack in the middle. Cover the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking dish with 2 cups of the Bolognese sauce, making it smooth as a baby's bottom.
- Now, it's time to layer up. Pop down 4 noodles over the sauce like an experienced construction worker. Cover with 2 cups of the Bolognese sauce, spread evenly, and up the cheese game with 1/4 (3 ounces) of the sliced provolone cheese. Smooth on 1 cup of the Béchamel Sauce and top with 1/4 cup of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Alright, let's build the next layer of lasagna using the same steps. The secret to a delicious dish? Layering the noodles perpendicular to the first layer and then repeating. Build it up 3 more times, making sure those lasagna noodles are snuggled in each time like cubes in a Rubik's cube.
- Cover that dish tightly with aluminum foil. Slide it into the oven's warm embrace for 40 minutes or until the cheese is all melted and bubbling up like a hot spring. Take the foil off and give it another 20 minutes to ensure the edges are a golden-brown and those noodles are cooked to perfection.
- Be patient; let the lasagna rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing it up.
Psst! To make this recipe a little less of a headache, prep the ragu and bechamel sauce days ahead. Keep them cool and ready for when you need them. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and remember: cooking can be as much fun as being a Sofia Vergara look-alike!
- Before stepping into the baking process, ensure you've prepared a nutritious and delicious Ragu alla Bolognese sauce, as it plays a crucial role in this recipe.
- As you construct this Italian dish, don't forget to layer the ingredients perpendicular to each other, similar to the pattern of a checkerboard, for an aesthetically pleasing and flavorful result.
- Once you've prepared the Bolognese lasagna, take a moment to admire the balance of flavors, from the rich and tangy Ragu alla Bolognese, to the smooth Bechamel Sauce, and the melted provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, making it a culinary masterpiece reminiscent of a Sofia Vergara-inspired performance.
