There is something truly magical about a good lasagne, and Jamie’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe holds a special place in my heart.
I first made it on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I had a little extra time and a big appetite for comfort food.
The recipe promised a hearty, wholesome dish that could feed a crowd, and it delivered beyond my expectations.
As the lasagne baked, the incredible smell of rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese filled the entire house. It instantly brought a sense of warmth and anticipation.
Jamie’s approach to lasagne is classic but with a few clever tweaks that make it even more delicious. The layers of slow-cooked meat sauce, silky white sauce, and tender pasta come together in perfect harmony.
It is not just food; it is an experience, a memory, and a way to bring people together around the table.
Every time I make this lasagne, it feels like a celebration, even if it is just a simple dinner at home. Over the years, it has become my go-to recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, and even those quiet nights when I want something cozy and satisfying. I love how forgiving the recipe is too. You can make it ahead, freeze it, and it always tastes just as amazing after reheating.
If you have ever longed for that perfect lasagne recipe that ticks all the right boxes – rich, creamy, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress – then you are in for a treat.
Let me walk you through Jamie’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe, along with a few personal tips and variations I have discovered to make it even more special.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe?
Jamie’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe is a traditional Italian-inspired baked pasta dish featuring layers of rich meat ragù, creamy béchamel sauce, lasagne sheets, and lots of cheese. Jamie’s version focuses on deep flavors, slow cooking, and quality ingredients to create a lasagne that is hearty, comforting, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why you should try this recipe?
You should try Jamie’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe because it is truly the ultimate comfort food. It is packed with flavor, feeds a crowd, and is surprisingly easy to prepare once you break down the steps. Plus, it is a fantastic make-ahead meal that actually tastes even better the next day. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy dinner party, this lasagne never fails to impress.
Ingredients needed to make Jamie Oliver’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe
For the meat sauce:
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Olive oil
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2 onions, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, finely diced
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2 celery sticks, finely diced
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500g minced beef
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500g minced pork
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2 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato purée
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1 glass red wine (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the béchamel sauce:
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75g unsalted butter
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75g plain flour
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1 liter whole milk
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A pinch of ground nutmeg
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100g Parmesan cheese, grated
Other:
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250g dried lasagne sheets
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150g mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Extra Parmesan for topping
Instruction to make Jamie Oliver’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe
- Start by making the meat sauce. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for about 10 minutes until softened but not colored.
- Add the minced beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned all over. Pour in the red wine, if using, and let it bubble away until reduced by half.
- Stir in the tomato purée, oregano, and tinned tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently with the lid slightly ajar for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, make the béchamel. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the grated Parmesan and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. To assemble the lasagne, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Cover with lasagne sheets, then a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of béchamel on top. Sprinkle over the shredded mozzarella and a good handful of Parmesan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until golden, bubbling, and cooked through. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Jamie Oliver’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe
Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
- Olive oil
- 2 onions finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots finely diced
- 2 celery sticks finely diced
- 500 g minced beef
- 500 g minced pork
- 2 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1 glass red wine optional
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the béchamel sauce:
- 75 g unsalted butter
- 75 g plain flour
- 1 liter whole milk
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- 100 g Parmesan cheese grated
Other:
- 250 g dried lasagne sheets
- 150 g mozzarella cheese shredded
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Start by making the meat sauce. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for about 10 minutes until softened but not colored.
- Add the minced beef and pork, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned all over. Pour in the red wine, if using, and let it bubble away until reduced by half. Stir in the tomato purée, oregano, and tinned tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently with the lid slightly ajar for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, make the béchamel. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the grated Parmesan and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. To assemble the lasagne, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Cover with lasagne sheets, then a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of béchamel on top. Sprinkle over the shredded mozzarella and a good handful of Parmesan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until golden, bubbling, and cooked through. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- My biggest tip is to take your time with the meat sauce. Letting it simmer slowly allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Also, do not skimp on the béchamel; a generous amount makes the lasagne irresistibly creamy.
- Another trick I love is soaking the dried lasagne sheets in hot water for 10 minutes before assembling to ensure they cook perfectly.
Nutritional value
A serving of Jamie’s Classic Family Lasagne approximately contains:- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
What goes well with Jamie Oliver’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe
I love serving this lasagne with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, and some crusty garlic bread. A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully too. If you want something a bit lighter on the side, steamed green beans or roasted vegetables are perfect companions.
My tips to make the best Jamie Oliver’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe
My biggest tip is to take your time with the meat sauce. Letting it simmer slowly allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Also, do not skimp on the béchamel; a generous amount makes the lasagne irresistibly creamy. Another trick I love is soaking the dried lasagne sheets in hot water for 10 minutes before assembling to ensure they cook perfectly.
Easy variations of Jamie Oliver’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat sauce with a rich vegetable ragù made from mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils. You can also add spinach or roasted peppers between the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Best way to store Jamie Oliver’s Classic Family Lasagne Recipe
Once cooled, the lasagne can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. If you want to freeze it, portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot.
Nutritional value
A serving of Jamie’s Classic Family Lasagne approximately contains:
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Calories: 450 kcal
-
Protein: 28g
-
Fat: 22g
-
Carbohydrates: 32g
-
Fiber: 3g
-
Sodium: 600mg
These values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and bake when ready.
Do I have to use both beef and pork?
Using a mix gives the best flavor, but you can use only beef if preferred.
Can I use fresh pasta sheets?
Absolutely, just reduce baking time slightly.
Is it necessary to add wine?
No, it adds depth but you can skip it without any problem.
Can I freeze the cooked lasagne?
Yes, it freezes and reheats very well.
Conclusion
Every time I serve Jamie’s Classic Family Lasagne, it feels like a guaranteed success. It is one of those dishes that brings smiles all around the table, no matter the occasion. Whether it is a casual weekday dinner or a special family gathering, this lasagne has a way of making everything feel a little more special. I have made it countless times now, and each time it comes out just as comforting, hearty, and delicious as the last.
There is something about the layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta that just works. It is a labor of love, but every step is worth it when you take that first bite and taste all the flavors that have melded together so perfectly. I especially love the little crunchy, golden bits on the top where the cheese has caramelized – they are like the cherry on top.
Making lasagne might seem a bit intimidating if you have never done it before, but trust me, Jamie’s recipe makes it really approachable. Take it one step at a time, enjoy the process, and you will have a beautiful dish to share with those you love. I honestly believe that every home cook should have a reliable lasagne recipe in their arsenal, and for me, this is the one. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too, bringing you as much joy and as many memories as it has brought me. Happy cooking!
