Lasagna is a dish of layers—both in structure and in soul. From tender sheets of pasta to rich sauce and creamy béchamel, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable.

For Lykkers looking to master a classic with a personal twist, this guide will walk you through each step like you’re cooking with a friend—easy, forgiving, and full of flavor.

Part 1: How to Make Lasagna

Lasagna isn’t hard—it just takes a bit of rhythm. Once you’ve prepped your components, all you need to do is build it, bake it, and enjoy the rewards of slow, savory cooking.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 4–6)

For the Filling:

Olive oil – 20g

Onion – 1 medium (100g), finely chopped

Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

Ground chicken or plant-based meat – 300g

Tomato paste – 30g

Crushed tomatoes – 400g

Dried oregano – 1 tsp

Salt – 2g

Black pepper – to taste

Fresh basil – a few leaves (optional)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

Butter – 30g

All-purpose flour – 30g

Milk – 500g

Salt – 1g

Nutmeg – a small pinch

Other Components:

Lasagna noodles – 200g (pre-cooked or no-boil)

Grated mozzarella – 100g

Grated parmesan-style cheese – 50g (or dairy-free alternative)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You’ll add the chopped onion first—cook it for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden. Then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Next, add the ground chicken (or plant-based alternative) and cook until it’s browned. You’ll stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes while you prep the béchamel.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and keep whisking for a minute or two until the mixture looks smooth. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens—this should take 5–7 minutes. Once it coats the back of a spoon, season it with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 3: Build the Layers

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grab your baking dish (about 20x30cm works well) and start layering.

You’ll spoon a bit of the tomato sauce on the bottom first. Then add a layer of noodles. On top of that, you’ll spread a layer of the tomato filling, then a drizzle of béchamel, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella. Keep repeating this pattern—noodles, tomato, béchamel, mozzarella—until you’ve used everything up. Finish with béchamel and a generous sprinkle of parmesan-style cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake and Rest

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers settle and keeps things neat when serving.

Part 2: The Art of Layering

Lasagna Is More Than a Recipe

Lasagna is a mood, a moment, a way to bring people together. It invites you to slow down, savor the process, and look forward to that first slice.

Make It Yours

You can swap in grilled vegetables, lentils, or mushrooms for the filling. Want it dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives—béchamel still works beautifully. Gluten-free pasta? Totally fine. The method stays the same.

Tips for Great Texture

Make sure your sauces aren’t too watery—it can lead to soggy lasagna.

If using no-boil noodles, make sure they’re fully covered with sauce so they cook evenly.

Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps the layers hold together.

Serving Ideas

Serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple bowl of soup. Leftovers are amazing, too—just reheat in the oven or a covered pan over low heat.

Make-Ahead and Freeze-Friendly

Lasagna freezes like a dream. Assemble, then freeze before baking, or freeze baked slices to reheat later. It’s perfect for prepping meals ahead of time.

Lasagna is one of those dishes that feels generous—rich in flavor, cozy in spirit, and full of possibility. Once you know the basics, you can layer in your own tastes, traditions, and tweaks. So Lykkers, grab your spoon and build your layers—comfort is just a bake away. Want a veggie-only lasagna next? Let’s get layering.