Classic Beef Lasagne

Step 1

To make the Bolognese, heat the oil in a large heavy based saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion softens. Add mince and cook, stirring to break up lumps for 5 minutes or until browned

Step 2

Add the tomato paste and stock or red wine to mince mixture and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until stock or wine reduces slightly

Step 3

Add the diced tomato and passata and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes or until sauce thickens

Step 4

Meanwhile, to make the bechamel sauce, combine the milk, onion, parsley stalks, peppercorns, cloves and bay leaves in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside for 15 minutes to infuse. Strain the milk mixture through a fine sieve into a large jug. Discard solids

Step 5

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until foaming. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes or until mixture bubbles and begins to come away from the side of the pan. Remove from heat

Step 6

Add half of the milk mixture, whisking continuously. Place pan back on medium-high heat. Whisk until thick. Add the rest of the milk, whisking continuously. Bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes, using a wooden spoon or spatula to stir continuously

Step 7

Add the parmesan and stir until cheese melts. Taste and season with nutmeg, salt and pepper, as desired

Step 8

Preheat oven to 180°C / 160°C fan-forced. Brush a rectangular 3 L (12 cup capacity) ovenproof dish with oil to lightly grease

Step 9

Spread ¼ of the bechamel over the base of the prepared dish. Arrange lasagne sheet over the sauce. Top with ⅓ of the bolognese and ⅓ of the remaining bechamel. Continue layering with the remaining lasagne sheets, bolognese and bechamel, finishing with a layer of bechamel. Sprinkle with mozzarella

Step 10

Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until cheese melts, is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling. Remove from oven and set aside for at least 15 minutes to set

Step 11

Cut the lasagne into 8 portions and serve with mixed salad leaves