Beef Lasagne

Beef Lasagne

A Kiwi favourite for good reason, this classic beef lasagne is layered with a rich, savoury mince sauce and a creamy cheese topping. Made with quality beef mince from your local butcher, it’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 750g premium beef mince

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 carrot, grated

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 400g tin crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 50g butter

• ¼ cup plain flour

• 2 cups milk

• ½ cup grated cheese (tasty or cheddar)

• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

To Assemble:

• 6–8 lasagne sheets (fresh or dried)

• Extra grated cheese, for topping

Method

1. Cook the Meat Sauce
   Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft. Stir in the grated carrot and cook for a few more minutes. Add the beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

   Stir through the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until thick and full of flavour.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Add the cheese and nutmeg, stir until melted, then remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Lasagne
   Preheat your oven to 180°C fan bake. In a medium baking dish, layer meat sauce, lasagne sheets, and cheese sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce and a sprinkle of grated cheese.

4. Bake and Rest
   Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve and Enjoy

Great with a fresh green salad or roast seasonal veg. Add a slice of garlic bread and a glass of local red for a winning meal.