Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna Recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna recipe is a delicious, comforting, and hearty meal that combines rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets for an elevated twist on the Italian classic. Known for his refined culinary skills, Ramsay’s lasagna recipe is full of robust flavors and attention to detail, making it an impressive dish to serve for family dinners or special occasions. Ready to create a lasagna that even Gordon Ramsay would be proud of? Let’s dive in!

this Recipe

What Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna Special?

Gordon Ramsay’s lasagna recipe stands out because of its deep, rich flavors. He uses a combination of beef and pork for a richer meat sauce, layers it with a silky béchamel (instead of ricotta, which is used in some American versions), and adds fresh herbs and wine to create a sophisticated flavor profile. His lasagna is layered with homemade (or good-quality store-bought) pasta sheets, ensuring that every bite is a perfect balance of meat, sauce, and pasta.

Ingredients List for Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Gordon Ramsay’s signature lasagna. This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or leftovers.

For the Meat Sauce (Ragù):

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork (optional; you can use all beef if preferred)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• ½ cup red wine
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for sautéing

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lasagna Layers:

• 12-15 lasagna sheets (fresh or no-boil dried pasta)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Gordon Ramsay’s lasagna recipe is customizable to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat Options: Use a combination of ground beef and pork for deeper flavor, or you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version.
• Cheese Options: While Ramsay’s recipe uses mozzarella and Parmesan, you can also add ricotta or use a different cheese blend like fontina, provolone, or sharp cheddar for a unique flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meat for a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach to make a vegetarian lasagna.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta sheets and substitute the flour in the béchamel sauce with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s break down Gordon Ramsay’s lasagna recipe into easy-to-follow steps so you can recreate this classic dish at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce (Ragù)

• Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork (if using) to the skillet. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Add Wine and Tomatoes: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and chili flakes (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if needed to balance the acidity).
• Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich in flavor. Remove the bay leaf before assembling the lasagna.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

• Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color (this is called a roux).
• Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the warmed milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
• Season the Béchamel: Season the béchamel sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (if using) for extra flavor. Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Lasagna Sheets

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the Pasta Sheets (if using dried pasta): If you’re using dried lasagna sheets, cook them in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If you’re using no-boil or fresh pasta sheets, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

• First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish (to prevent the noodles from sticking). Layer 3-4 lasagna sheets over the sauce.
• Second Layer: Spread ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, followed by ⅓ of the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
• Third Layer: Add another layer of lasagna sheets, followed by more meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese. Repeat until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of béchamel and cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

• Cover and Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This will help prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
• Uncover and Brown the Top: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. If you want a crispier top, you can broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your lasagna turns out perfect, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Runny Lasagna: Don’t rush the meat sauce—let it simmer long enough to thicken. The sauce should be rich and not too watery, or your lasagna may end up runny.
• Overcooked Pasta: If using dried lasagna sheets, cook them only until al dente. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and overcooking them beforehand can result in mushy noodles.
• Skipping Rest Time: After baking, allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up and prevents the lasagna from falling apart when cut.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This lasagna is rich and filling, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with some delicious sides and garnishes.

How to Serve Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna

• Family Style: Serve the lasagna straight from the baking dish, allowing each person to cut a hearty slice. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
• With Sides: A simple Caesar salad or arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.

Presentation Ideas for Lasagna

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a touch of color and freshness to the rich lasagna.
• Serve in Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, cut the lasagna into individual portions and serve on separate plates. Drizzle a little extra béchamel or meat sauce on the plate for a restaurant-style touch.

Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna Recipe Tips

• Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano and good-quality mozzarella. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has more flavor than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Balance Acidity: If your tomato sauce tastes too acidic, adding a small pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors without making the sauce too sweet.
• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze lasagna?
A: Yes! Lasagna freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I use ricotta cheese instead of béchamel sauce?
A: While Gordon Ramsay’s lasagna recipe uses béchamel sauce, you can certainly substitute ricotta if you prefer a different texture. Mix ricotta with an egg and some Parmesan cheese for a creamy, traditional Italian filling.

Q: How do I prevent my lasagna from drying out?
A: Covering the lasagna with foil during the first part of baking helps keep it moist. You can also add a little extra béchamel sauce or meat sauce between layers to ensure the lasagna stays creamy.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Lasagna Recipe is a masterpiece of layered flavors and textures, from the rich and meaty ragù to the silky béchamel and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a special gathering, this lasagna is guaranteed to satisfy. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a restaurant-quality lasagna right in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make the best lasagna you’ve ever had!

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