Italian cuisine is all about using the freshest and best ingredients possible. Thus, make sure you use high-quality pasta, meat, cheese, and herbs for the best flavor. The filling is one of the most important parts of the lasagna, and if you want to get the most out of the flavors, let the meat sauce simmer for 2-3 hours – or more even.
Lasagna al forno is a traditional Italian sheet lasagna typically layered with meat or vegetables, cheese, and a white sauce. It is baked in the oven, hence the name ‘al forno’, which means ‘in the oven’ in Italian. The hearty dish is usually served as a main course and can be enjoyed all year round as a simple weeknight dinner or for a special occasion. It can be served with crusted bread, a green salad, or a tomato salad.
Start our homemade Italian lasagna recipe by making the meat sauce. Brown meat and onions in butter, add spices, tomato purée, and stock and let it simmer for about 10 minutes over low heat. Meanwhile, prepare the cheesy white sauce in a separate pot. Layer the meat sauce, lasagna sheets, and white sauce in a greased ovenproof dish, finishing with white sauce on top. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and butter and bake at 200°C for roughly 35 minutes. Let the lasagna al forno rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
For the white sauce, melt butter in a pot and mix with flour. Stir in half the milk and bring the sauce to a boil. Add the rest of the milk little by little before adding spices and cheese. Let the sauce cook through until the cheese has melted. Adjust the taste if needed.
Lasagna al forno will last in the fridge for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. If you are unsure whether it is still edible, check for signs of spoilage, such as mould and off odors, before consuming any leftovers.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Take the lasagna al forno out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Cover it with foil and bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until it is heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. You may want to let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Lasagna al forno can sit in the freezer for up to 3 months. Prepare the lasagna according to the recipe and let it cool down completely. Wrap the dish tightly with foil – make sure there are no gaps – and place it in a suitably sized freezer bag before popping it into the freezer. If you portion the lasagna al forno beforehand, it will be easier to store and thaw for later consumption.