Lasagne is a deliciously comforting dish enjoyed worldwide, with countless variations. Among them, Mary Berry’s classic lasagne recipe stands out as a timeless favorite, perfected over decades. Originating in the 1970s, this recipe has pleased families and dinner guests alike with its rich flavors and simple preparation.
Mary’s original version used dripping to sauté the meat and vegetables, enhancing the depth of flavor. Nowadays, olive oil is typically preferred, offering a lighter yet still tasty alternative. This recipe is designed to serve 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for sharing.
Here’s how to create this beloved dish:
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For the Ragu:
Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C Fan). Heat a large frying pan and add olive oil. Brown the minced beef, then remove it and set aside. In the same pan, cook the onion, celery, and garlic until softened. Return the meat to the pan, stir in the flour, then pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Add redcurrant jelly or sugar, tomato purée, and thyme, stirring well. Mix in the tinned tomatoes, bring back to a boil, cover, and transfer to the oven to simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until the beef is tender.
For the White Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour, cooking for one minute. Gradually whisk in hot milk until the sauce thickens. Add Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly:
In a 2.3L shallow ovenproof dish, spread one-third of the meat ragu at the bottom. Spoon over one-third of the white sauce and season with salt and pepper. Lay down a layer of lasagne sheets. Add half of the remaining meat sauce, half of the white sauce, and season again. Add another layer of lasagne sheets. Top with the remaining meat and white sauces, then sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover and refrigerate the lasagne for six hours — this resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready, preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C Fan). Bake the lasagne for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbling at the edges, and the pasta is tender.
Mary Berry’s classic lasagne continues to be a staple for gatherings, offering a delicious, hearty meal that’s straightforward to prepare and full of flavor.