Jamie Oliver's Lasagne: A Delicious & Simple Recipe

Jamie Oliver's recipes are renowned for their fresh ingredients and straightforward approach, and his lasagne is no exception. This isn't your grandma's heavy, stodgy lasagne; it's a lighter, brighter version packed with flavour. This guide will walk you through creating this comforting classic, optimized for search engines and packed with helpful tips.

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver's Lasagne

Before you begin, gather these ingredients. Note that quantities will depend on the size of your baking dish. This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.

• Meat Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 500g beef mince (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 x 400g tin tomato passata
  • 150ml red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavour)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce):
  • 50g butter
  • 50g plain flour
  • 1 litre whole milk
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Other:
  • 500g lasagne sheets (oven-ready are easiest)
  • 250g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 50g grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds a lovely salty tang)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Jamie Oliver's Lasagne

This recipe is broken down into manageable steps, ensuring a smooth cooking process.

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce (Ragù):

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato passata, and red wine (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavour. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

2. Make the Béchamel Sauce:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
4. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble the Lasagne:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a large ovenproof dish.
3. Layer with lasagne sheets, overlapping if necessary to cover the base.
4. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the pasta.
5. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, pasta, béchamel sauce.
6. Finish with a final layer of pasta, topped with the remaining béchamel sauce.
7. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (if using).

4. Bake the Lasagne:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
2. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagne to set and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for the Best Jamie Oliver Lasagne

• Use good quality ingredients: The flavour of your lasagne will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients.
• Don't overcook the pasta: Follow the package instructions for cooking time, slightly al dente is perfect.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Make it ahead: The lasagne can be assembled a day ahead and baked the next day. This allows the flavours to meld and makes for an easier weeknight dinner.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jamie Oliver's lasagne hot, with a simple green salad. A crusty bread is also a perfect accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce.

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