Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna Recipe

When it comes to comforting Italian food, lasagna is one of the most beloved dishes around the world. Gordon Ramsay’s take on Lasagna elevates this classic with a rich, savory meat sauce, layers of silky béchamel, and perfectly al dente pasta sheets. The result is a beautifully layered, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a plate in front of them. If you want to recreate this delicious meal at home, here’s how you can make Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna with step-by-step instructions.

this Recipes

What is Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna?

Gordon Ramsay’s lasagna is made by layering a hearty and flavorful meat ragù (typically made with ground beef and pork) and a creamy béchamel sauce between layers of fresh or dried lasagna pasta sheets. It’s then baked until golden brown, bubbly, and completely irresistible. This version stays true to traditional Italian methods, ensuring rich, authentic flavors with every bite. The combination of well-seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, herbs, and creamy sauce creates a deeply comforting and satisfying dish.

Ingredients List for Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious lasagna:

For the Meat Sauce (Ragù):

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• ½ cup beef or chicken stock

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth to the béchamel)

For Assembling the Lasagna:

• 9-12 lasagna sheets (fresh or dried)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

You can make some adjustments to this lasagna recipe based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat in the ragù with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian lasagna.
• Cheese Variations: Instead of mozzarella, you can use ricotta cheese in one of the layers or add a mix of other cheeses like provolone or fontina for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and substitute gluten-free flour in the béchamel sauce.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna at home:

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce (Ragù)

1. Sauté the vegetables:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to brown.

1. Add garlic and ground meat:

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then add the ground beef (and pork, if using). Cook the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned all over, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

1. Add tomato ingredients:

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly and develop its flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), oregano or Italian seasoning, and sugar. Pour in the beef or chicken stock, and let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

1. Adjust seasoning and set aside:

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, stir in a few fresh basil leaves toward the end of cooking. Let the sauce cool slightly while you prepare the béchamel sauce.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the butter:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. You’re aiming for a smooth roux.

1. Add the milk:

• Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

1. Season the béchamel:

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Set the béchamel sauce aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Prepare the lasagna sheets:

• If using dried lasagna sheets, cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Fresh pasta sheets can be used without pre-cooking.

1. Layer the lasagna:

• In a 9x13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This will prevent the noodles from sticking.
• Add a layer of lasagna sheets on top of the sauce. Make sure they cover the entire bottom, overlapping slightly if necessary.
• Spread a layer of the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top.
• Repeat these layers (pasta, meat sauce, béchamel, cheese) until you run out of ingredients or fill the dish, ending with a final layer of béchamel and mozzarella cheese on top.

1. Bake the lasagna:

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

1. Rest and serve:

• Once done, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil.

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

1. Sauté Vegetables and Meat: Cook the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, then brown the ground beef.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Add tomatoes, wine, and stock, and let the sauce simmer.
3. Make the Béchamel Sauce: Whisk flour and butter together, then add milk and cheese to make a creamy sauce.
4. Layer the Lasagna: Alternate layers of pasta, meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese.
5. Bake: Bake until golden brown and bubbly, then let the lasagna rest before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Too Much Liquid in the Sauce: Make sure the ragù is thick enough before assembling the lasagna. Too much liquid can cause a soupy dish.
2. Skipping the Béchamel: The creamy béchamel sauce adds richness and balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Don’t skip it!
3. Not Letting the Lasagna Rest: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make slicing easier.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lasagna is already a complete meal, but you can serve it with a few sides to round out the dish:

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette will complement the richness of the lasagna.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of lasagna.

How to Serve Lasagna

• Slice the lasagna into squares and serve on individual plates.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top.

Presentation Ideas for Lasagna

• Serve the lasagna in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Garnish the top with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.

Lasagna Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Freezing Instructions: Lasagna freezes well. Assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for

up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna, wrap it tightly, and freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

What can I use instead of béchamel sauce?
If you prefer, you can use ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and Parmesan in place of béchamel for a creamier texture.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna is the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and creamy layers. With its rich meat sauce, smooth béchamel, and perfectly melted cheese, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy one of the best comfort foods out there!

Print