Lasagne is a beloved, comforting dish with an array of variations, but few stand the test of time like Mary Berry’s classic recipe — a favorite for over 50 years. Renowned for its simplicity and rich flavors, this recipe has been refined to perfection and continues to impress home cooks everywhere.
Mary originally developed this recipe in the 1970s, using dripping to sauté the meat and vegetables, which enhanced the depth of flavor. Today, olive oil is commonly used as a healthier alternative, while maintaining the dish’s signature taste.
Ideal for feeding a crowd, this recipe serves 8 to 10 people, making it perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
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Ingredients and Preparation:
For the ragu:
- Heat oil in a large pan and brown the mince, then set aside.
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Return the meat to the pan, stir in flour, and gradually add stock, stirring to combine.
- Add redcurrant jelly or sugar, tomato puree, thyme, and canned tomatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer in the oven at 160°C/140°C fan for 1 to 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
For the white sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook briefly.
- Gradually whisk in hot milk until thickened.
- Add Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and season well with salt and pepper.
Assembly and Cooking:
- Spread one-third of the meat sauce in a 2.3L shallow ovenproof dish.
- Layer with one-third of the white sauce, then season with salt and pepper.
- Add a layer of lasagne sheets.
- Repeat with half of the remaining meat and white sauces, seasoning again.
- Add another layer of lasagne sheets, the remaining meat sauce, and white sauce.
- Top with grated cheddar cheese.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for six hours before cooking to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
When ready, preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Bake the lasagne uncovered for 45 minutes until the top is golden, the edges bubble, and the pasta is tender.
This classic recipe combines rich meaty ragu with creamy white sauce, resulting in a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as convenient as it is delicious.