Name: Lasagna al Forno Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 Tablespoon garlic (minced fresh, 3 to 5 cloves); ½ Cup carrot (chopped fine); ½ Cup celery (chopped fine); 1 Cup white onion (chopped fine, about ½ a large onion); 2 Pound ground beef (lean); 1 Cup unsweetened grape juice; 15 Ounces tomato sauce; 28 Ounces crushed tomatoes (canned); 3 Tablespoons tomato paste (45 ml); 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning (dried); 3 Cups beef stock; 2 bay leaves; 1 Teaspoon salt; 1 Teaspoon black pepper; 4 Tablespoons butter; 4 Tablespoons all purpose flour; 3 Cups whole milk; 1/8 Teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ Cup parmesan cheese (grated); Salt and black pepper (to taste); 9 Ounce lasagna sheets (oven-ready, 15 to 17 sheets); ½ Cup parmesan cheese (fresh grated, for topping); Basil or parsley (chopped fresh, optional garnish)

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a dinner that wraps you up in warmth and unbeatable flavors, then you absolutely must dive into this Lasagna al Forno Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with the most comforting aroma, boasting layers of tender pasta, a rich, hearty meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe promises authenticity and irresistible taste with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot sits on a white marbled surface with chopped onions, orange carrots, and green celery arranged in three separate sections inside. To the upper left of the pot, a white bowl holds cooked brown ground beef. Next to that is a clear measuring cup filled with a dark liquid. To the upper right of the pot are two open cans of tomato product showing their bright red contents, plus a small white square dish with a thick red paste. A wooden spoon rests on the surface to the lower right of the pot, and a black and white checkered cloth lies underneath the pot handle on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Lasagna al Forno Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish packed with flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the lean ground beef that provides a robust protein base to the fresh vegetables and herbs that bring brightness and depth, finishing with creamy béchamel sauce that glues everything into creamy perfection.

Olive oil: Enhances flavor and helps soften vegetables without overpowering the dish.
Garlic (minced fresh, 3 to 5 cloves): Adds aromatic depth that wakes up the palate in every bite.
Carrot (chopped fine): Gives a subtle sweetness and helps balance acidity in the sauce.
Celery (chopped fine): Adds a faint earthy note and pleasant texture.
White onion (chopped fine): Provides a mild, savory foundation essential to the meat sauce.
Ground beef (lean, 2 pounds): The hearty protein that carries the rich meaty flavor through the layers.
Unsweetened grape juice (1 cup): A surprisingly clever addition offering natural sweetness and depth.
Tomato sauce (15 ounces): Delivers rich tomato flavor and moisture.
Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Brings texture and authenticity to the sauce base.
Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato essence and thickens the sauce.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A fragrant blend of herbs that defines this classic dish.
Beef stock (3 cups): Adds savory richness and lusciousness to the sauce.
Bay leaves (2): Infuse complex herbal notes as the sauce simmers.
Salt and black pepper (1 teaspoon each): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout.
Butter (4 tablespoons): Forms the base of the silky béchamel sauce.
All-purpose flour (4 tablespoons): Thickens the béchamel to the perfect creamy consistency.
Whole milk (3 cups): Creates a luxuriously smooth sauce when mixed with butter and flour.
Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that elevates the béchamel sauce.
Parmesan cheese (¼ cup for béchamel, plus ½ cup for topping): Infuses savory, cheesy richness that ties the dish together.
Lasagna sheets (oven-ready, 9 ounces): Provides the soft and tender pasta layers that such a dish deserves.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish): Brings brightness and a fresh pop of green to your plating.

How to Make Lasagna al Forno Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

Start by browning the ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and drain any excess grease, then set the beef aside. In the same pot, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic, finely chopped carrot, celery, and onion until soft, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. Return the cooked beef to the vegetables and stir to combine.

Step 2: Build and Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the unsweetened grape juice and cook everything together on medium heat for 5 minutes. Next, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, beef stock, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 2 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deeply meld and thickens the sauce to the perfect hearty consistency, ensuring the layers hold well when baked.

Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

Once the meat sauce is ready and bay leaves are removed, start your béchamel by melting butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, careful not to let it brown. Gradually whisk in whole milk and add a pinch of nutmeg, stirring until the sauce thickens nicely and coats the back of a spoon. Finish by folding in the Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste—this creamy béchamel will perfectly complement the rich meat sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Begin by spreading about 1 cup of the meat sauce across the bottom. Layer three oven-ready lasagna sheets on top, then add another cup of meat sauce and drizzle half a cup of béchamel over that. Repeat this layering four more times, using the entire box of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel in proportion—this layering is what makes a true lasagna al forno so special.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Top your final layer generously with sauce, béchamel, and sprinkle the fresh Parmesan cheese over everything. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and then foil—this technique creates steam which helps the pasta cook perfectly. Bake covered for 15 minutes, remove the wraps, and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes. For that classic golden, bubbly finish, broil for 1 to 2 minutes if desired. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Lasagna al Forno Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish holds a thick lasagna cut into nine square pieces, each showing layers of gooey melted white cheese on top, rich dark red meat sauce beneath, and thin golden pasta sheets in between. The cheese layer is bubbly with some browned spots, sprinkled lightly with shredded cheese and green basil strips. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with fresh green basil leaves nearby, a black and white cloth under the dish, a black plastic spatula on the side, stacks of white plates with three silver forks on top, and small white bowls filled with shredded cheese and red sauce behind the baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your freshly baked lasagna with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of herbal color and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top right before serving adds a savory sparkle and enhances the cheesy goodness you already love.

Side Dishes

Lasagna al Forno is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlicky sautéed spinach, or a simple roasted vegetable medley. A crusty bread or garlic focaccia helps scoop up any leftover sauce and completes the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your plating by serving individual portions on rustic plates with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of fresh microgreens. For a dinner party, try mini lasagna portions baked in ramekins for a fun and elegant twist on this traditional favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna al Forno tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven for a comforting meal anytime.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion your lasagna into airtight containers or wrap the entire casserole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for a ready-made meal that’s perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. Microwave reheating works too for single servings, but the oven method helps maintain that lovely layered texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the sauce?

Absolutely! While this Lasagna al Forno Recipe traditionally uses lean ground beef, you can substitute ground pork, turkey, or a blend of meats to suit your preference.

Do I have to use oven-ready lasagna sheets?

Oven-ready pasta sheets are super convenient and help absorb sauce while baking. If you use regular sheets, just be sure to boil them beforehand to avoid a chewy or undercooked texture.

What if I don’t have grape juice?

Grape juice offers natural sweetness and balances acidity nicely, but you can swap it for a dry red wine or a splash of balsamic vinegar diluted with water to mimic the complexity.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the meat with layers of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and consider using vegetable stock instead of beef stock to keep the rich flavor intact.

Is béchamel sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! Béchamel is a simple combination of butter, flour, and milk, whisked continuously until thickened. It’s a classic sauce that elevates this recipe with creamy texture and subtle flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna al Forno Recipe is a cozy masterpiece that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Its rich layers of meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta come together to create a dish that’s both traditional and soul-satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your table!