Mary Berry’s Classic Lasagne Recipe: Perfect for Family Dinners

Mary Berry’s lasagne recipe is a favourite in British kitchens. It’s known for its delicious taste and warm feeling. Since the 1970s, it has made Italian cooking popular at home. Perfect for large family meals, it feeds 6 to 8 people. The recipe mixes special ingredients, like a meat sauce that cooks for 45 minutes. It also includes a creamy white sauce with Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese.

This lasagne can be made ahead of time, perfect for gatherings. It’s also good for freezing, which makes future meals easy. Learn why Mary Berry’s lasagne is beloved. It captures the true spirit of family dinners.

Introduction to Mary Berry’s Lasagne Recipe

Mary Berry’s lasagne is a top choice for families. It captures the Italian taste perfectly. Everyone loves its comforting, strong flavours at gatherings and dinners. She uses top-notch ingredients to make the meal stand out. This lasagne is a hit with both kids and adults.

This recipe is rich with layers of aubergines, mozzarella, and Parmesan. These ingredients make every bite delicious. The aubergines are roasted until golden, taking about 20–25 minutes. You can put the lasagne together ahead of time, even eight hours early. It’s great for busy families.

Mary suggests letting the lasagne chill overnight to taste even better. When baked at 220°C, it turns golden on top. Each serving is under 600 calories. This dish celebrates Italian cooking and family. It is loved by people of all ages.

Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Lasagne Recipe

Making a great lasagne starts with the right ingredients. It has a tasty meat sauce, a smooth white sauce, and special cheeses. Together, they make a lasagne everyone loves.

Meat Sauce Ingredients

The meat sauce is the heart of the dish. You will need:

• 500 grams of lean minced beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 x 400-gram cans of chopped tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons of tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Olive oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let it cook slowly for an hour to blend the flavours well.

White Sauce Ingredients

The white sauce makes the lasagne extra special. You’ll need these:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 level tablespoons of plain flour
• 500 grams of low-fat crème fraiche
• 2 tablespoons of cornflour
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese

It creates a creamy layer that’s perfect with the meat.

Cheese Selection

The right cheese makes a big difference. For this recipe, use:

• Mature Cheddar
• Fresh mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Mary Berry’s lasagne is a detailed process. It ensures a delicious dish. This guide covers making the meat sauce, white sauce, and assembling the lasagne.

Preparing the Meat Sauce

Begin by warming olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and garlic, cook until they’re soft. Then, add the beef and cook until it’s brown.

Add a bit of plain flour, then pour in beef stock, redcurrant jelly or sugar, tomato purée, and chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle in chopped thyme and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This is key for a rich flavour.

Making the White Sauce

In another pan, melt butter on low heat. Mix in plain flour to form a roux, cook it for a minute. Slowly add hot milk, whisk until smooth. Include Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. This white sauce brings a creamy texture that’s perfect with the meat.

Assembling the Lasagne

With the sauces ready, start layering your dish. First, add meat sauce, then white sauce, and lasagne sheets. Keep layering, aiming for three to five layers. Top with white sauce and scatter over some mature cheddar cheese. Let the dish rest for 6 hours before baking. This softens the pasta.

Bake it in a pre-heated oven at 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6 for 45 minutes. It should be golden brown and bubbling. Rest the lasagne for 30 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to serve.

Tips for Perfecting Your Lasagne

To create a standout lasagne, start with some key lasagne tips. Your choice of baking dish is very important. You want a rectangular dish that fits the lasagne sheets well. This helps avoid uncooked parts or edges that are too brown.

Choosing the Right Baking Dish

Think about these points when picking your dish:

• Size: Make sure it’s big enough for all the layers but won’t spill over.
• Material: Glass or ceramic dishes spread heat better.
• Depth: A deep dish means you can have more layers, which makes it tastier and richer.

Preparing and Soaking Lasagne Sheets

Don’t skip soaking the lasagne sheets. Place them in hot water for a few minutes. This makes them cook evenly and turn out perfectly tender. It keeps them from being too hard or not cooked through.

You can also get a head start by making the lasagne up to two days before. Just keep it in the fridge. Letting it sit helps the flavours blend together better. This all adds up to a delicious meal for everyone. Remember, with the right steps and some lasagne tips, making a great lasagne is easy.

Need more ideas? Check out this baked bean lasagne guide. It gives tips on different ingredients and how to cut down on waste.

Serving Suggestions for Family Dinners

Try Mary Berry’s lasagne to make your family and guests happy. It’s a warm and satisfying dish. Pairing it with bright, fresh sides makes the meal even better. A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing complements the lasagne’s rich flavours nicely.

Garlic bread is a great side, perfect for mopping up tasty lasagne sauce. It rounds off the meal, fostering shared moments at the table.

Adding roasted veggies or a fruit platter makes the dinner complete. These sides bring everyone together, offering a mix of tastes and textures. Such meals, featuring Mary Berry’s lasagne, turn family gatherings into special events.

Storing and Freezing Your Lasagne

Keeping your lasagne tasty is important, whether it’s leftovers or pre-made. It’s key to know how to store it right. This keeps the flavours and textures as good as new.

How to Store Leftover Lasagne

For keeping leftover lasagne, use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you need it to last longer, freezing is your best bet. Just let it cool before you tuck it away.

Freezing Uncooked Lasagne

Freezing lasagne before cooking it saves time. Just assemble it, then wrap it well in baking paper or foil. This keeps it from sticking and makes it easy to get out later. You can freeze it like this for three months.

When you’re ready, bake it from frozen at 180C/350F/Gas 4 for an hour. It will taste as fresh as the day you made it.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Mary Berry’s lasagne recipe serves as a great starting point. It allows for lots of creative twists. From veggie versions to unique takes on meats, everyone can find a favourite.

Vegetarian Alternatives

Looking for a meal without meat? Try a veg-packed lasagne. Use roasted aubergine, mushrooms, and spinach for delicious layers. Add 400g of chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a creamy sauce for extra flavour. Consider lentils for a protein boost, making it both filling and nutritious.

Using Different Meats or Sauces

Switching beef for other meats can spice up your lasagne. Use chicken, turkey, or pork for new tastes and textures. Pair each meat with a sauce that complements it well, like spicy arrabbiata or a rich creamy cheese sauce. This way, you can make the dish just how you like it.

Why Mary Berry’s Lasagne Recipe is a Family Favourite

Mary Berry’s lasagne recipe is loved by many British families, making it very popular. It combines different flavours and textures perfectly. This makes it great for big meals or a simple family dinner.

This recipe is easy and perfect for busy families. You can prepare it 24 hours before cooking, which reduces stress. It uses 18 quality ingredients like leeks and chestnut mushrooms. This adds a fresh twist to the traditional dish. The lasagne serves 6-8 people, perfect for a family meal.

Mary Berry’s lasagne mixes rich meat sauce with creamy cheese sauce well. The cheese sauce uses 900ml of hot milk and 300g of mature Cheddar. After baking for 40 minutes at 220C, it comes out golden and tempting.

This lasagne does more than taste good; it brings families together. Eating this lasagne means enjoying a delicious meal and sharing comfort. It keeps winning hearts, making it a key dish in family cooking.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s lasagne recipe is perfect for family dinners. It’s easy to make and tastes great. It brings families closer through delicious meals.

This dish shows Mary Berry’s love for home cooking. It gives us quick and tasty recipes for any day. Her expertise shines in her comforting family meals.

Mary’s lasagna makes every meal special. It’s full of good moments at the dining table. Watching her cook is a reminder of the joy in simple recipes.

Trying Mary Berry’s recipes can inspire your cooking. You’ll make meals that pull your family together. It’s about more than food; it’s making memories.