Name: Lasagna Bolognese Recipe – A Homemade Favorite With a Twist
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 oven-ready lasagna pasta (hydrate before layering); 4 cups béchamel sauce – see the recipe here; 4 cups Bolognese sauce – see the recipe here; 6 slices of ham (optional for that savory twist); 2 cups shredded mozzarella; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup fresh parsley, to garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Lasagna Bolognese isn’t just food — it’s theater on a plate. One slice down and suddenly you’ve got ribbons of pasta, rich Bolognese, creamy béchamel, and cheese pulling in slow motion like you’re starring in your own layered lasagna close-up. No wonder this dish has been stealing the spotlight in Italian kitchens for centuries.

And here’s the best part: making it at home doesn’t have to feel intimidating. You’ve already nailed the sauces (if not, don’t worry — I’ll point you there), so the heavy lifting is done. All that’s left is the fun: building those layers until your pan transforms into something golden, bubbling, and absolutely irresistible. This Lasagna Bolognese Recipe is proof that a homemade favorite can look like lasagna food photography perfection and still taste like comfort only you could pull off. Stick around — I’ll show you exactly how to make it happe

Story Behind the Dish

Lasagna Bolognese has roots deep in Emilia-Romagna, the Italian region that gave us Parmesan, prosciutto, and some of the best pasta traditions on earth. Unlike the ricotta-heavy versions you’ll often find elsewhere, the authentic Lasagne alla Bolognese leans on two power players: a slow-cooked Bolognese sauce and a silky béchamel. Together, they create layers that are rich but balanced, indulgent without being overwhelming.

Over time, the dish traveled and adapted. In Brazil, for example, the classic Italian version picked up a local twist — ham slices slipped between the pasta layers, creating what many call Lasagna Brasileira. And let’s be real: once you’ve tasted that salty, savory bite tucked in with the sauces and cheese, it’s hard not to keep the tradition alive. Whether you stay true to the Italian way or add your own spin, one thing remains constant: lasagna Bolognese is a dish that gathers people around the table, fork in hand, ready for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

It’s a showstopper without the stress — sauces are prepped, layering is fun.
A true Italian classic with room for your own spin.
Golden, bubbly cheese topping that makes every slice irresistible.
Comfort food that doubles as centerpiece-worthy.

Recipe at a Glance

Main star: Pasta layered with Bolognese and béchamel.
Flavor: Savory, creamy, cheesy, rich.
Cook time: About 30 minutes in the oven (plus prep).
Why it works: Two sauces keep pasta tender and bring big flavor.

What You’ll Need

1 oven-ready lasagna pasta (hydrate for best results)
4 cups béchamel sauce – see the recipe here
4 cups Bolognese sauce – see the recipe here
6 slices of ham
2 cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup fresh parsley, to garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste

👉 Helpful tools: a sturdy rectangular casserole for perfect layering, and a reliable cheese grater because fresh Parmesan is non-negotiable.

Prep & Cook

Don’t let the steps scare you — I just broke it down so it feels like I’m right there with you in the kitchen. It’s actually faster than it looks.

Step 01

Hydrate the pasta sheets in fresh water for about 2 minutes — it helps them cook better in the oven.

Step 02

Spread Bolognese sauce across the bottom of a rectangular casserole. Always start with sauce.

Step 03

Add a layer of hydrated pasta.

Step 04

Place a layer of ham slices.

Step 05

Before the next pasta layer, add a spoonful of béchamel — it helps the pasta cook evenly.

Step 06

Add pasta, cover with béchamel.

Step 07

Add mozzarella for that cheesy layer.

Step 08

Another pasta layer, then more Bolognese.

Step 09

Repeat ham + mozzarella layers if your casserole is deep enough. If not, finish here.

Step 10

Top it off with both sauces — Bolognese first, then béchamel — and sprinkle Parmesan generously.

Step 11

Bake at medium-high for about 30 minutes. When the borders are dark golden, it’s ready.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours

Hydrating pasta sheets first prevents them from turning brittle or undercooked.
Want a lighter version? Try turkey lasagna — swap the ground beef in your Bolognese for turkey.
Mozzarella is the melty star, but mixing in provolone or fontina makes the top extra decadent.
Leftovers? This lasagna reheats like a dream and might even taste better the next day.
Planning to freeze? Keep in mind lasagna tends to absorb sauce overnight. Make your béchamel slightly more liquid than saucy, or save some extra to add when reheating for perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

This lasagna is hearty enough to shine on its own, but who doesn’t love company? Go for a full dinner party:

Pair with a crisp green salad (see our Cucumber and Tomato Couscous Salad for inspiration).
A glass of red wine never hurts — try Chianti for the true Italian touch.
For special occasions, serve it as an entrée before something bold like our Oven Roasted Tri-Tip with Bold Flavor and No Fuss.
Finish with a tropical Papaya Cream Dessert

Oven Roasted Tri-Tip Featured 02 — **Oven Roasted Tri-Tip with Bold Flavor and No Fuss**

Papaya Dessert Image 02 — **Papaya Cream Dessert**

Put Your Spin on It

Vegetarian lasagna: coming up next on the blog — a lighter but equally comforting version.
Cheese twist: mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for an even richer top layer.

Tasty Thoughts

This Lasagna Bolognese Recipe is the kind of recipe that proves homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. Once the sauces are ready, it’s just about stacking flavors and letting the oven do the heavy lifting. The result? A bubbling, golden pan that looks picture-perfect and tastes even better.

So whether you’re serving family, friends, or just yourself (because yes, you deserve lasagna on a Tuesday night), this dish guarantees empty plates and happy sighs. It’s rich, comforting, and absolutely worth every layer.

Common Questions

Can I make this Lasagna Bolognese Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, actually, you should. Leave the sauces ready in your freezer and use them in the middle of the week when you get a whim for a complete comforting pasta night.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Bake first, cool, slice into portions, and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

What if I don’t have béchamel?
No shortcuts here — béchamel is essential for that authentic lasagna Bolognese taste. Luckily, it’s quick and easy to make.

Nutrition Notes

Curious about calories or carbs for this Lasagna Bolognese Recipe? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.

Lasagna Bolognese Recipe – A Homemade Favorite With a Twist

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Author: Fabiana
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This is the lasagna bolognese recipe that steals the show at the table. Tender pasta, rich Bolognese, silky béchamel, and layers of cheese baked until golden. A true homemade favorite — with a little twist from our kitchen.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 oven-ready lasagna pasta (hydrate before layering)
4 cups béchamel sauce – see the recipe here
4 cups Bolognese sauce – see the recipe here
6 slices of ham (optional for that savory twist)
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh parsley, to garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Hydrate pasta sheets in fresh water for about 2 minutes.
Spread Bolognese sauce across the bottom of a rectangular casserole.
Add a layer of pasta.
Add ham slices.
Spread a spoonful of béchamel before the next pasta layer.
Add pasta, cover with béchamel.
Sprinkle mozzarella over this layer.
Add another pasta layer, then more Bolognese.
Repeat ham + mozzarella if your dish is deep enough.
Finish with Bolognese, then béchamel, and Parmesan on top.
Bake at medium-high (375°F / 190°C) for about 30 minutes until golden at the edges.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Hydrating pasta sheets first prevents them from turning brittle or undercooked.

Want a lighter version? Try turkey lasagna — swap the ground beef in your Bolognese for turkey.

Mozzarella is the melty star, but mixing in provolone or fontina makes the top extra decadent.

Leftovers? This lasagna reheats like a dream and might even taste better the next day.

Lasagna loves to soak up sauce as it rests. If you plan to freeze it, make your béchamel slightly thinner (more liquid than saucy) or save a bit to stir in when reheating. That way, every slice stays creamy and luscious.

Note: These values are rough estimates based on common ingredients. For medical or dietary advice, it’s always best to consult a registered nutritionist or healthcare provider.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian-American