Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods, offering layers of rich, meaty sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly baked pasta sheets. When it comes to mastering this classic dish, few chefs do it better than Gordon Ramsay. Known for his meticulous techniques and bold flavors, Ramsay’s version of lasagna elevates this Italian favorite to restaurant-quality standards. His recipe stands out due to the depth of flavor in the meat sauce, the silky smoothness of the béchamel, and his signature touch of sophistication in every layer.
Lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of flavors, textures, and aromas creates a dish that is satisfying on every level. While it may seem daunting to make from scratch, following Ramsay’s expert techniques ensures a perfect result every time. From selecting high-quality ingredients to layering the dish with precision, each step contributes to the ultimate lasagna experience.
Whether you’re making this dish for a special occasion, a family dinner, or simply to satisfy your craving for a comforting, homemade meal, this recipe will guide you through the process in detail. We’ll explore the history of lasagna, dive into each ingredient’s role, and provide expert cooking tips to help you master this timeless Italian classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Deep Flavors – Gordon Ramsay’s method includes slow-cooking the meat sauce for maximum flavor development.
- Perfectly Balanced Layers – The combination of well-seasoned meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and al dente pasta results in a lasagna that’s neither too dry nor too heavy.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – This recipe follows Ramsay’s professional approach, allowing you to bring a gourmet touch to your homemade lasagna.
- Great for Meal Prep – Lasagna stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Customizable and Adaptable – You can tweak the recipe to include different meats, cheeses, or even a vegetarian option while keeping the essence of Ramsay’s technique intact.
- Comfort Food at Its Best – There’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, cheesy, and hearty slice of homemade lasagna.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 9g
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork (optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef stock
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
- 12 lasagna sheets (preferably fresh or no-boil)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (and pork if using), breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and red wine. Stir well.
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and deepen in flavor.
2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add the warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and continue stirring for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Stir in the nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and white pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
- Lay down a single layer of lasagna sheets. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over them, followed by another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
4. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.
Ingredient Background
- Ground Beef & Pork: A combination of meats adds depth, with pork lending extra richness.
- Red Wine: Adds complexity and enhances the sauce’s robustness.
- Nutmeg in Béchamel: A traditional Italian touch that subtly enhances creaminess.
Technique Tips
- Cook the meat sauce slowly for deep flavor.
- Whisk constantly when making béchamel to avoid lumps.
- Let lasagna rest before cutting for perfect slices.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap meat for mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
Freezing and Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months and bake when needed.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Use lean turkey instead of beef.
- Swap whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Reduce cheese for a lower-fat version.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Pair with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with red wine (such as Chianti) for an authentic Italian experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make lasagna ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- What if my lasagna is too watery? Use less liquid in the sauce and let it rest before serving.
- Can I use store-bought sauce? Homemade is best, but a high-quality marinara can be a shortcut.
- How do I prevent the cheese from burning? Cover with foil and remove it halfway through baking.
Conclusion
Gordon Ramsay’s lasagna is the perfect blend of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly baked pasta. With this step-by-step guide, you can recreate this iconic dish at home with restaurant-quality results. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, velvety béchamel, and gooey melted cheese, making it a dish that’s both comforting and luxurious. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, meal prepping for the week, or simply indulging in some homemade Italian cuisine, this lasagna recipe will exceed expectations.
One of the best things about making lasagna from scratch is the ability to customize it to your own preferences. You can experiment with different cheeses, meats, and seasonings to create a lasagna that suits your taste. Whether you prefer a traditional beef and pork mixture, a spicy sausage variation, or even a vegetarian version loaded with roasted vegetables, this recipe provides a solid foundation for endless possibilities.
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Gordon Ramsay Lasagna
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork (optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef stock
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
- 12 lasagna sheets (preferably fresh or no-boil)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (and pork if using), breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and red wine. Stir well.
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and deepen in flavor.
2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add the warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and continue stirring for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Stir in the nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and white pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
- Lay down a single layer of lasagna sheets. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over them, followed by another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
4. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g