Sue's Lasagna Al Forno

Rich, hearty, and irresistibly indulgent, Sue’s Lasagna Al Forno is the ultimate comfort food masterpiece that brings classic Italian flavors to your table. Featuring tender layers of al dente lasagna noodles, a robust homemade meat sauce made with savory ground beef and pork, and a luscious béchamel seasoned with a hint of nutmeg, this dish is a celebration of creamy, cheesy perfection. Topped with a golden, bubbling blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s baked to perfection and finished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this oven-baked lasagna recipe promises to impress. Whether you're searching for the best traditional lasagna or looking to master an authentic "al forno" dish, this recipe is sure to deliver mouthwatering results every time.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 sheets lasagna noodles
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups milk
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3

Add ground beef and ground pork to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 6

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat to make the béchamel sauce. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 7

Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to stir until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 8

To assemble, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by about 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce, 1/3 of the béchamel, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a handful of mozzarella. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a final topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 9

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 10

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3030.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5030.5

Total Fat 179.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Cholesterol 612.0mg	0%
Sodium 4327.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 613.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.1g	0%
Total Sugars 101.2g
Protein 274.5g	0%

Vitamin D 268.4IU	0%
Calcium 3687.7mg	0%
Iron 41.5mg	0%
Potassium 6657.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.3%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 47.5%