Baked Lasagne With Meat And Cream Sauce
A hearty baked lasagne layered with savory meats, rich cream sauce, and tender pasta, perfect for family dinners and special occasions requiring comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb smoked ham
- 1 cup coarsely chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 3/4 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 lb lean pork ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 2 cups beef stock ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 lb chicken livers ⓘ
- 1/2 lb lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lasagne ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter the bottom and sides of a 9 x 12 x 3-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the lasagne noodles according to package instructions and drain on paper towels.
- Combine the chopped smoked ham, onions, carrots, and celery, then chop into very small pieces.
- Melt butter in a skillet and add the chopped vegetables.
- Cook until lightly browned, then transfer to a saucepan.
- Heat olive oil in a separate pan and cook ground beef and ground pork until browned.
- Add white wine to the meats and increase heat to boil, cooking until the liquid evaporates.
- Add beef stock and tomato paste to the meat mixture, simmer for a few minutes.
- In a separate pan, cook chicken livers in butter for 3 to 4 minutes until firm and light brown.
- Dice the cooked livers and add them to the sauce 10 minutes before the sauce finishes cooking.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the cooked lasagne noodles, meat sauce, and any additional ingredients in the prepared casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce. Substitute the beef stock with vegetable stock for a lighter version. If you prefer, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. Experiment with adding spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture, or try making a Lowfat Skillet Lasagna for a lighter take on traditional lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked lasagna with a side salad, such as a classic Caesar or a simple green salad with Italian dressing. Garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs beautifully with the dish, making it perfect for family gatherings. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Escarole And Bean Soup for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lasagne With Meat And Cream Sauce contains roughly 1223 calories, with 20g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1037mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If you freeze it, allow extra cooking time when you bake it from frozen. It’s a great way to prepare for busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of chicken livers?
If chicken livers aren't available or preferred, you can substitute them with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. This will slightly change the texture but still provide a hearty element to the sauce. Adjust seasoning accordingly to enhance flavors.
How do I know when the lasagna is done baking?
The lasagna is done baking when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. A knife inserted in the center should come out hot. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).