Lasagne Lunch

A comforting individual lasagne packed with a rich and delicious meaty tomato sauce, layered with lasagne sheets and finished with plenty of melted cheese. Served with a crusty bread roll, it makes a wonderfully filling lunch that is simple, satisfying and full of Italian-inspired flavour.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings Portion

Ingredients

100 g beef mince
1 small onion finely chopped
1 clove garlic finely chopped
150 g chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato purée
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
3 sheets lasagne
50 g mozzarella grated
25 g Parmesan grated
1 tbsp olive oil
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
½ tsp sugar optional
50 ml water

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to soften.
1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion
Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Take care not to let it burn because burnt garlic can quickly become bitter.
1 clove garlic
Add the beef mince and increase the heat slightly. Break the mince apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue until the meat has browned all over.
100 g beef mince
Now add the tomato purée and stir it through the meat. Cook for another minute because this helps develop a deeper flavour.
1 tbsp tomato purée
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and water (optional). Then add the oregano and basil. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper.
150 g chopped tomatoes, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried basil, salt, black pepper, 50 ml water
If the tomatoes taste particularly sharp, add a small pinch of sugar. It is not essential, but sometimes it helps balance the acidity.
½ tsp sugar
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become thick and rich rather than watery.
Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5.
Spoon a little of the meat sauce into the bottom of your individual ovenproof dish. Spread it into an even layer.
Place a lasagne sheet over the sauce. Depending on the size of your dish, you may need to break the sheet slightly so it fits.
Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by another lasagne sheet.
Continue layering until you have used the remaining sauce and pasta. Finish with a generous layer of the meaty tomato sauce on top.
Now sprinkle over the mozzarella and Parmesan. Try to cover the surface reasonably well because this will create that lovely golden, bubbling top.
50 g mozzarella, 25 g Parmesan
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes.
Keep an eye on the cheese during the final few minutes. You want it beautifully melted and golden, with the sauce bubbling around the edges.
Once cooked, remove the lasagne from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This gives the layers a chance to settle, making it much easier to eat.
3 sheets lasagne
Place the individual lasagne on a plate and serve immediately with a crusty bread roll.
And please, do not throw away any sauce left on the plate! Break off a piece of bread and use it to mop up every last delicious mouthful.

Equipment

Notes

Cook's Tips:

Make it extra cheesy: Add a little extra mozzarella over the top if you love a thick, golden cheese crust.

For a richer sauce: Let the meat sauce simmer for another 10–15 minutes if you have the time. A slower sauce develops a deeper flavour.

Add vegetables: Finely diced carrot, celery or mushrooms can be added to the meat sauce. They work beautifully without taking away from the hearty character of the dish.

Make several portions: This recipe is easily multiplied if you are cooking lunch for the family. Individual dishes also make serving wonderfully easy.

Let it rest: Do not rush straight into the lasagne when it comes out of the oven. Those few minutes of resting help the layers hold together.

Nutrition Note:

Nutritional values will vary depending on the mince, cheese, pasta and bread roll used. For a lighter version, use lean beef mince and reduce the amount of cheese.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve this Lasagne Lunch with a simple green salad if you want something fresh alongside it. However, for me, the bread roll is essential. There is simply too much lovely tomato and meat sauce to leave behind!

The Result:

You should have a bubbling individual lasagne with tender pasta, a rich meaty tomato sauce and a beautifully golden cheese topping. It is hearty, comforting and wonderfully filling.

Add the bread roll, sit down and enjoy. That is what a proper homemade lunch should be.

Nutrition