The Ultimate Lasagna Recipe from Gordon Ramsay

Lasagna is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. With its layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and more cheese, lasagna is the ultimate hearty and satisfying meal. And who better to learn how to make lasagna from than the legendary Chef Gordon Ramsay? Let's dive into the key steps for making the perfect lasagna with Chef Ramsay's expertise.

Picking the Right Pasta for Lasagna

The foundation of a stellar lasagna is the pasta. You'll want a pasta that can hold up to vigorous layering and all the sauce without turning into a mushy mess. Chef Ramsay calls for lasagna noodles or sheets rather than curly pasta shapes like ziti.

The Ultimate Lasagna Recipe from Gordon Ramsay

Fresh pasta works wonderfully, but store-bought or boxed lasagna noodles get the job done as well. Cook the pasta until al dente, not fully soft and cooked through. This helps the noodles maintain their structure when baking.

Making a Hearty Meat Sauce

No lasagna is complete without a deeply flavorful, meaty sauce. For his recipe, Chef Ramsay uses a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh herbs, red wine, and seasonings.

Making a Hearty Meat Sauce

Cook the meats and onion/garlic until nicely browned. Then add in the tomatoes, paste, wine, and herbs. Let the sauce simmer until thickened and concentrated in flavor, at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it cooks, the better!

Making the Cheese Filling

A creamy cheese layer in lasagna is non-negotiable. For his filling, Chef Ramsay mixes ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, parsley, seasoning, and nutmeg.

Making the Cheese Filling

The cheese mixture adds even more lushness and flavor to each bite of lasagna. Pro tip from Chef Ramsay - don't overmix the filling! Just combine it gently so it maintains a nice, fluffy texture.

Assembling the Layers

Now comes everyone's favorite part - layering up the lasagna! Start with a thin layer of sauce spread on the bottom of your baking dish. Cover that with a single layer of pasta sheets.

Assembling the Layers

Next, add half of the cheese filling, spreading it in an even layer. Follow that with another layer of pasta, more sauce, and the remaining cheese filling. Top with a final layer of pasta and sauce.

How to Prevent a Messy Lasagna

With so many juicy layers, lasagna can easily bubble over and make a mess in your oven. Chef Ramsay has a handy trick to keep everything contained.

How to Prevent a Messy Lasagna

Before baking, cover the lasagna pan tightly with foil. This locks in moisture and heat for perfect cooking and prevents spillover. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes so the cheese can brown.

Baking for Maximum Deliciousness

Lasagna needs ample time in the oven to cook the layers through without drying out. Chef Ramsay bakes his at 375°F for about 1 hour covered with foil, then 15 minutes uncovered.

Baking for Maximum Deliciousness

Check that the center and edges are bubbling hot before removing from the oven. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving so the layers set.

Serving Suggestions

While lasagna is perfectly delicious on its own, a few extra touches never hurt! Chef Ramsay recommends serving it with garlic bread for dipping and a fresh green salad.

Serving Suggestions

A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs nicely with the richness of the dish. And don't forget to top each slice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmigiano-Reggiano for a pop of color and flavor!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Lasagna leftovers are one of life's great pleasures. To store, let the lasagna cool completely then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and cover the lasagna with foil. Bake in a 375°F oven until hot and bubbling, about 30 minutes. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

The Final Takeaway

Gordon Ramsay's lasagna recipe teaches us the keys to lasagna success - al dente pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and careful baking. The result is a professional-quality lasagna with nuanced flavors and textures in every bite. Spend the time on the prep work, and you'll achieve lasagna perfection!

The Final Takeaway

Conclusion

Lasagna is an Italian classic for good reason - it's the ultimate comfort food! With Chef Gordon Ramsay's expert guidance, you can achieve lasagna greatness in your own kitchen. Perfectly cooked pasta, flavored meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and careful assembly and baking are key. Serve it up with salad, garlic bread, and red wine for a mouthwatering meal. Leftover lasagna keeps well and reheats beautifully too. For a satisfying taste of Italy, whip up Gordon Ramsay's famous lasagna recipe soon!

FAQs

Q: What type of pasta should be used?

A: Traditional lasagna noodles or sheets work best. Stay away from curly pasta shapes which don't hold up as well.

Q: How long should the meat sauce simmer?

A: Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour, to develop deep flavor.

Q: What cheese is best for the filling?

A: Use a mix of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy layer.

Q: Should you cover the lasagna when baking?

A: Yes, covering it with foil helps prevent a mess and keeps the lasagna moist.

Q: How should you store leftovers?

A: Let the lasagna cool fully, then refrigerate in a tightly covered container for up to 4 days.