Lasagne

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat Olive Oil in Pan

   6 min

   Begin by placing a large saucepan on the stove and heat olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer slightly but not smoke, which indicates it’s hot enough for cooking.

2. 2

   Cook Bacon Until Golden

   11 min

   Cut the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the hot oil. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bacon starts to turn golden and crispy, releasing its flavorful fat into the pan.

3. 3

   Sauté Vegetables Together

   11 min

   Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the pan with the bacon. Cook these vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.

4. 4

   Brown the Minced Beef

   13 min

   Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute to release its aroma. Then, add the minced beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is well browned, which should take around 6 minutes.

5. 5

   Add Tomato Ingredients and Simmer

   17 min

   Mix in the tomato purée and let it cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld. Next, add the chopped tomatoes, rinsing the can with a little water to get all the goodness, and stir in the honey. Season with salt and pepper, then let the mixture simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   Preheat Oven for Baking

   2 min

   Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 6. This will ensure that the oven is hot enough when you’re ready to bake the lasagne, helping to achieve a perfectly cooked dish.

7. 7

   Layer Lasagne Sheets and Sauce

   8 min

   In a roasting tin or casserole dish, spread a layer of the ragu sauce on the bottom. Lay down 2 sheets of lasagne, ensuring they slightly overlap for better coverage. Continue layering with more sauce and lasagne sheets until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of pasta on top.

8. 8

   Prepare Creamy Sauce

   5 min

   In a separate bowl, combine crème fraîche with 2 tablespoons of water, mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the top layer of pasta, ensuring it covers all edges.

9. 9

   Add Cheese and Bake

   2 min

   Sprinkle the top with mozzarella balls and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

10. 10

    Garnish and Serve

    2 min

    Once baked, remove the lasagne from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for an added touch of flavor and color.