How to Make Lasagne (and sauce) from Scratch

Last updated on November 1st, 2024

This is a recipe for a classic homemade lasagne showing you how to make lasagne sauce (mince) and cheese sauce from scratch.

Say hello to this kid-friendly lasagne! It contains no big tomato bits or creamed spinach (although you could add that as an optional extra). My kids adore this lasagne recipe and it features at least every second week in our household!

It is simple, tomatoey and cheesy. Instructions are step-by-step and if you follow each one, you can’t go wrong. Making lasagne isn’t as intimidating as you think! I use a cheese sauce made from scratch in this recipe, so there is no ricotta cheese, but trust me, a proper homemade cheese sauce is worth the little extra time.

Do you need to cook the Lasagne Sheets beforehand?

No, pre-cooking the lasagne sheets is not necessary however I like to soften them in a dish of boiling water before layering which makes them easier to trim if needed. If you have a perfect dish for Lasagna and you don’t have to trim sheets at all, then you can quite easily skip the pre-soak in boiling water and layer the sheets uncooked and add another 5-10 minutes to the cook time in the recipe instructions.

How should I layer the different parts that make up Lasagne?

Start with layering your mince first, then your lasagne sheets and then your cheese sauce. Repeat until you finish with a layer of cheese sauce. You will then sprinkle a little cheese on top for grilling. 

How many layers of Lasagne should I do?

This recipe does 2 layers of everything and is perfect for my dish size (see notes for size detail) but if you have a dish deeper than 2.5 inches, then you may be able to do more layers. It really depends on the dish size you are using. 

How can I make my Lasagne taste even better?

• If you were feeling rather adventurous you could easily include a layer of creamed spinach, you could even add mushrooms to your cheese sauce or fried bacon into the mince.
• You could even add a layer of cooked aubergine slices or baby marrow.
• Add a little red wine (¼ cup) to your mince and allow to simmer for 20 minutes or more, for even deeper flavours.

What are the Main Ingredients Needed to Make Lasagne Sauce/s from Scratch?

Mince / Lasagne Sauce

• 3 Tablespoons butter 
• 3 Tablespoons cooking oil 
• 3 onions, chopped 
• 1 tsp thyme (dried or 2 teaspoons fresh) 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1 TBS Worcestershire sauce 
• 3 TBS tomato paste 
• 1 beef stock cube, crumbled 
• 700g passata 
• 1kg lean mince 
• 1 tsp salt 
• 1 tsp freshly cracked pepper 

Cheese Sauce 

• 3 tablespoons butter 
• 3 tablespoons flour 
• 3 cups milk 
• 1 tsp salt 
• ¼ tsp pepper 
• 2 cups cheese 

Lasagne and Toppings 

• 10-12 pieces Lasagne sheets depending on your dish* (see note on dish size) 
• 1 litre water, boiled 
• 1 tablespoon oil 
• 1 cup cheese, grated 
• Optional: Fresh parsley, basil or rocket to sprinkle on top 

How do you Make Lasgane Sauce (Mince) and the Cheese Sauce for Lasagne?

Mince / Lasagne Sauce Method

1. In a frying pan, over medium heat, add the butter and oil to the pan.  
2. Once the butter has melted, add the onions, thyme and garlic and cook until soft and translucent. 
3. Add the mince, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock cube, tomato paste and passata and mix through 
4. Add the salt and pepper to taste. 
5. Divide mince into 2 equal portions and set aside. 

Cheese Sauce Method 

1. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and allow to melt. Add the flour and whisk to combine with the butter. 
2. Now add half a cup of milk and continue to stir. As soon as it thickens, add another half a cup. Repeat this process until all the milk has been used up. The sauce will thin out once you have added all the milk. 
3. Add the cheese, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Now set aside and allow to cool. 

Lasagne Method 

1. Boil approximately 1 litre of water and pour into a medium-sized rectangular dish. Add 1 TBS oil. Soak about 8-10 pieces of lasagne for 10 minutes until al dente. 
2. Then layer the mince first, then lasagne sheets (trim if necessary), then the cheese sauce, then mince again, lasagne sheets and finally the cheese sauce. 
3. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the cheese sauce and then cover with foil and bake in the oven at   180°C (356°F) for 20 minutes and then remove the foil and grill the top for 5 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully browned. 
4. Allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving. 

Notes 

• I use a rectangular dish with the sizes of 31cm x 24cm x 6cm (deep) which is approximately 12.2inches x 9.4 inches x 2.3 inches (deep). This is the perfect size for a family of 5-6 people. I do 2 layers of mince, 2 layers of lasagne and 2 layers of cheese sauce with cheese sprinkled on top. If you wanted to do more layers then I would recommend selecting a smaller, deeper dish.  

If you like this recipe, then you may also like these pasta-based family meals:

• Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
• 20-Minute Creamy Tomato and Pasta Bake
• Easy Macaroni Cheese Recipe
• Bacon and Basil Pesto Pasta
• 20-Minute Creamy Smoked Salmon and Lemon Pasta

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