Mary Berry is a well-known chef in Britain, loved for her easy recipes and friendly charm. Her lasagna recipe is a favourite for family get-togethers and relaxed evenings. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with layers of tasty Bolognese, creamy béchamel, and well-cooked pasta. It always satisfies, no matter your age.
The recipe uses 19 ingredients, such as lasagne sheets, olive oil, leeks, red peppers, and chestnut mushrooms. You need 8 lasagne sheets. It makes enough for a few meals, great for big meals or meal prep. It’s featured in her book “Mary Berry at Home,” among 150 other beloved recipes. This shows just how popular and loved it is.
This classic lasagna not only tastes great but is also good for you, thanks to added veggies. Serve it with salad or crusty bread for a full meal fit for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes, and bakes in 40 minutes. It’s perfect for those hectic days. Enjoy the delicious, comforting taste created by one of the UK’s favourite chefs.
Mary Berry is highly respected in British cooking. Her show has urged many to start cooking at home. She makes cooking seem easy with dishes like her famous lasagna. Families are now cooking together, thanks to her. Learn more about her recipes here.
Mary Berry’s Television Impact
Since the 1970s, Mary Berry has been a joy to watch. She teaches cooking in a way that’s easy for everyone. Her lasagna is a hit across all ages. She makes sure that anyone can feel skilled in the kitchen.
A Classic Comfort Food
Lasagna means family and warmth. Mary Berry’s version is a delicious mix of Bolognese and béchamel. It’s the star of any family dinner. Her recipe shows how cooking brings us together.
Creating the ideal lasagna takes care and attention to the quality of your ingredients. The choice of lasagna ingredients greatly affects the final taste. Mary Berry’s method focuses on a perfect mix of flavours and textures, making every bite enjoyable.
Core Ingredients Overview
Mary Berry’s famous recipe uses a mix of key ingredients for deep, rich flavours. The base includes:
500 grams of lean minced beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of flour
2 x 400-gram cans of chopped tomatoes
3 tablespoons of tomato puree
1 teaspoon of sugar
The lovely béchamel sauce complements the meat sauce. The sauce is made with:
2 tablespoons of cornflour
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
500 grams of low-fat crème fraiche
100 grams of parmesan cheese
Together, these lasagna ingredients create a wonderful dish honouring Italian cuisine.
Choosing the Right Pasta Sheets
Choosing correct pasta sheets is key for the perfect lasagna texture. There are different pasta sheets types to choose from:
Fresh Pasta Sheets: They don’t need pre-cooking and soak up sauce well, adding moisture.
Dried Pasta Sheets: Soak these in warm water before use for softness. Briefly pre-cook for a firmer texture.
Good layering is crucial in making lasagna. You should aim for three to five layers for best taste. Add cheese on top of the béchamel for a delicious golden crust.
If you want a detailed guide on these key ingredients, learning about each can lift your lasagna above the rest.
Mary Berry’s recipe is flexible, letting you assemble the lasagna ahead of time. You can keep it in the fridge or freeze it up to three months. It’s great for prepping meals or hosting dinner parties.
Preparation and Cooking Techniques
Making a yummy lasagna involves several steps. Each step is crucial for the perfect dish. Knowing how to cook it well makes your lasagna stand out and impress everyone.
How to Prepare Your Fillings
To start a great lasagna, focus on a tasty filling. Cook the meat and veggies with a bit of olive oil. Cut the veggies small so they mix well into the sauce. Letting the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes makes it rich and deep in taste.
Layering Your Lasagna for Success
Begin layering with a thick Bolognese sauce, then pasta, then creamy béchamel. Keep going until it’s as tall as you like, usually 3 to 5 layers. Top it off with béchamel and grated cheese for a beautiful golden crust.
Optimal Cooking Times and Temperatures
Let your lasagna sit for six hours before baking to blend the flavours. Bake at 180°C for around 45 minutes. Cover with foil first to keep it moist, then uncover for the last 15 minutes for a crispy top.
Mary Berry tips for making ahead include storing a built lasagna in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Or freeze it for up to a month. Always defrost it in the fridge for a day before baking. Make sure it hits 165°F inside before serving to ensure it’s safe and delicious.
Preparation Stage
Details
Cooking Times & Temperatures
Filling Preparation
Cook meats and vegetables, simmer for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavour.
Rest for 6 hours, bake at 180°C for 45 minutes.
Layering
Start with Bolognese, followed by pasta and béchamel, repeat.
Cover with foil for the first part, uncover for the last 15 minutes.
Storage
Fridge (up to 48 hours), freezer (up to 1 month).
Defrost for 24 hours before baking.
Tips for Enhancing Mary Berry’s Lasagna Recipe
Enhancing Mary Berry’s classic lasagna can bring a wonderful new twist. Adding smart touches improves both flavour and texture. This makes the dish even more loved.
What to Add for Extra Flavour
Here are some tips to make your lasagna taste better:
Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the Bolognese sauce for a fragrant lift.
Incorporate aromatic garlic and onions into your chicken mixture for depth.
Experiment with different types of cheese between the layers, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to enhance the creaminess.
For an interesting texture, include additional layers of sautéed vegetables like courgettes or peppers.
Making Ahead and Freezing Lasagna
Lasagna is great for planning ahead. You can prepare it up to six hours before, which enhances the taste. For families on the go, here are some freezing tips:
Assemble it without baking and cover it tightly with foil. It’s easy to freeze this way.
When ready, bake from frozen for about 50-60 minutes. Remember to remove the foil first.
Make sure it’s fully cooked to ensure safety when reheating.
These tips make meal prep simpler and add enjoyment to Mary Berry’s lasagna.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe is a classic choice for family meals. It combines pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses beautifully. This dish blends tradition with tasty flavors, making it a kitchen favourite.
Cooking it for family dinners or parties? Mary Berry’s tips will make your lasagna stand out. It’s more than just food; it’s about bringing people together. For more meal ideas, look into Mary Berry’s other recipes. You might enjoy her classic lasagna or butternut squash dishes. These options are both delicious and easy to make.
The Mary Berry lasagna does more than satisfy hunger. It creates moments and memories with family and friends. For a dish that carries tradition and tastes with every bite, choose this recipe. It’s sure to be a hit every time.
FAQ
What makes Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe special?
Mary Berry’s lasagna recipe is loved for its rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfect pasta. Together, they make a comforting meal. It brings families together and celebrates tradition.
Can I make lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s lasagna up to two days before and keep it in the fridge. Or freeze it if you want to store it longer. Just use foil for easy removal after cooking.
What type of pasta sheets should I use for lasagna?
Both fresh or dried pasta sheets are good. Fresh sheets don’t need pre-cooking. But dried sheets should be softened in hand-hot water first. Choosing quality pasta sheets is crucial for delicious lasagna.
How long should I cook the lasagna for?
Cook your lasagna at 180°C for about 45 minutes. Cover with foil at first to keep it moist. Then uncover for the last 15 minutes for a crispy top.
What can I add to enhance the flavour of my lasagna?
Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce for more flavour. Cheese lovers can try different cheeses or add more between layers.
What are some tips for preparing the Bolognese sauce?
For a tasty Bolognese, cook the meat and chopped veggies in dripping or olive oil. Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes. This makes the flavour richer.
Why is Mary Berry considered a culinary icon?
Mary Berry became a household name in the 1970s with her easy-going cooking style and focus on British food. Her way of making cooking accessible has made her a culinary icon.
