16 Must-Know Pasta Classics for Every Day

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Lasagna

Which Pasta Bake is the Most Popular? Clearly, It's Lasagna! When the weather is cold and spirits are low, nothing beats this homemade Italian classic.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 1/3 tbsp olive oil 
• 2/3 lb ground meat 
• 2 cups canned tomatoes
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tube tomato paste
• 1 level tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 1 package lasagna noodles
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 1 1/2 cups  grated mozzarella

Instructions

1. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
3. Add the tomatoes, oregano, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for about 35 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt the butter in a pan over high heat. Once it starts to foam, add the flour and whisk vigorously to prevent lumps.
5. When the mixture is smooth, add the milk and continue whisking until the béchamel thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat.
6. Grease a baking dish and layer with tomato sauce, lasagna noodles, béchamel sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of grated Emmental cheese.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F  until the noodles are soft and the cheese is gratinated. Enjoy!