Gordon Ramsay Lasagna Recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s lasagna is a delightful, flavorful, and comforting classic Italian dish with a gourmet touch. Known for his attention to detail and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, this lasagna recipe is packed with layers of rich meat sauce (ragù), creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets, all topped with melted cheese. This recipe takes a bit of time and care to prepare but is absolutely worth the effort. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate a lasagna worthy of Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen!

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What Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna Special?

Gordon Ramsay's version of lasagna stands out because of its simplicity and emphasis on high-quality ingredients. The meat sauce, or ragù, is slow-cooked for deep flavor, and the creamy béchamel adds a rich, velvety layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta and hearty meat filling. This lasagna is layered with fresh flavors, including aromatic herbs and a hint of wine, for a rich and luxurious dish.

Ingredients List for Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna

For the Meat Sauce (Ragù):

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for more flavor)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or passata)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth (optional, to thin the sauce if needed)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

For Assembling the Lasagna:

• 12-15 lasagna sheets (preferably fresh, or no-boil lasagna sheets)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This lasagna recipe is versatile and can be adjusted based on your preferences or dietary needs:

1. Meat: You can use a mixture of beef and pork for a richer flavor, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, swap out the meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
2. Red Wine: The red wine adds depth to the meat sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can skip it or use extra beef broth or water instead.
3. Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but feel free to use a blend of cheeses like provolone, ricotta, or even a sharp cheddar for added flavor.
4. Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added to the meat sauce for an extra aromatic touch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce (Ragù)

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, increase the heat to medium-high, and add the ground beef (or beef/pork mixture). Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
• Deglaze the pan with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
• Add the crushed tomatoes and bay leaf, and stir to combine. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little beef or chicken broth.
• Once the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning to taste.

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be smooth and slightly golden.
• Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for extra depth. If desired, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan for added richness.
• Remove the béchamel sauce from the heat and set aside.

3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Lasagna Sheets

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• If using fresh lasagna sheets, there’s no need to pre-cook them. If using dried lasagna sheets, follow the package instructions to boil them until just al dente.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

• Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (ragù) at the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
• Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
• Spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly over the pasta, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce.
• Sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella cheese over the béchamel.
• Repeat the layers (lasagna sheets, meat sauce, béchamel, cheese) until you reach the top of the dish. Aim for 3-4 layers of pasta, depending on your dish size.
• Finish the top layer with a generous amount of béchamel sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake the Lasagna

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• If you like a crispier top, you can broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

6. Let the Lasagna Rest and Serve

• Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve with extra Parmesan on the side.

How to Cook Lasagna: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap, here’s a quick guide to making Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna:

1. Prepare the meat sauce: Sauté vegetables, brown the meat, add tomatoes, wine, and seasonings, and simmer.
2. Make the béchamel sauce: Cook the butter and flour, add milk, season, and simmer until thick.
3. Assemble the lasagna: Layer pasta sheets with meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese in a baking dish.
4. Bake: Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not letting the lasagna rest: Be sure to let the lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes after baking. This prevents the layers from falling apart when you cut into it.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you’re using dried lasagna sheets, cook them just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked in the sauce.
• Skipping the béchamel: The béchamel adds a creamy, rich layer that balances the acidity of the meat sauce. Don’t skip it—it's key to making this lasagna special!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas to make your Gordon Ramsay Lasagna meal even more special:

1. Garnish with fresh basil: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
2. Serve with a side salad: Pair the lasagna with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
3. Add garlic bread: Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette for an extra comforting touch.

How to Serve Lasagna

Lasagna is best served warm from the oven. Cut it into squares or rectangles and serve on plates. You can add extra grated Parmesan on top or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. A side of crusty garlic bread and a simple salad complement the richness of the lasagna.

Presentation Ideas for Lasagna

• Family-style serving: Serve the lasagna directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style meal.
• Individual plates: Slice and serve individual portions on plates with garnishes like fresh basil and extra cheese.
• Layered presentation: To showcase the layers of the lasagna, slice carefully and use a spatula to transfer each portion onto a plate, keeping the layers intact.

Gordon Ramsay Lasagna Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: Lasagna is great for meal prep! You can assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. If baking from chilled, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing instructions: Lasagna freezes well. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating leftovers: Leftover lasagna can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make lasagna without béchamel sauce?

You can substitute the béchamel with ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and Parmesan for a simpler version, but the béchamel adds creaminess and richness that makes the lasagna special.

2. Can I use fresh pasta for lasagna?

Yes, fresh pasta sheets are ideal because they cook faster and absorb the flavors of the sauce more effectively. You can also use no-boil lasagna sheets for convenience.

3. Can I make lasagna gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagna sheets and ensure your flour for the béchamel sauce is gluten-free (you can use rice flour or cornstarch as a substitute).

4. What wine pairs well with lasagna?

A medium to full-bodied red wine like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the lasagna.

5. How do I store leftover lasagna?

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

This Gordon Ramsay Lasagna Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, meaty ragù, creamy béchamel, and layers of pasta and cheese all baked to perfection. With its balanced flavors and perfect textures, this lasagna will become a favorite in your household. It’s ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week. Serve it with a simple salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

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