Serving size: Serves 6
Cuisine type: Italian
Cooking time: More than 1 hour
Special options: Kid friendly
Course: Main

Lasagne is a full-flavoured specially from Italy that makes a good, hearty main meal for the family, an unusual party dish or a distinctive entree. Serve with a colourful salad. Except for the final baking, lasagne can be prepared entirely in advance.

INGREDIENTS

250g dried lasagne sheets
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
125ml (½ cup) cream
Meat sauce
1 tablespoon oil
500g minced beef
940g canned whole tomatoes
1 small onion
125g mushrooms
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar
Cheese sauce
60g butter
4 tablespoons flour
500ml (2 cups) milk
saltpepper
pinch nutmeg
125g grated processed cheese
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

METHOD

1. Drop pasta sheets gently into large saucepan of boiling salted water; two saucepans may be needed, as noodles tend to stick together during cooking. Cook approx. 30 minutes or until very tender. Drain noodles well. Return to saucepan. Fill saucepan with cold water, leave noodles in cold water until ready to use; drain well.
2. Heat oil in large shallow pan, add beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is well browned; pour off any excess fat. Add chopped tomatoes with liquid from cans, peeled and finely chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, crushed garlic, and remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, stirring. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 60 minutes, or until nearly all liquid has evaporated.
3. Place a layer of pasta in shallow ovenproof dish, a 28cm x 18cm (11in x 7in) lamington tin is ideal. Pasta may have to be cut so that it lies flat.
4. Spread half the meat sauce over the pasta then cover with half the cheese sauce. (Both the sauces will be easier to handle if made the day beforehand and refrigerated.) Top evenly with second layer of pasta.
5. Repeat the layers of meat and sauce, then finally the third layer of pasta to cover top completely.
6. Sprinkle top with grated parmesan cheese. Bake at 180°C for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, gently pour or spoon cream over the top of cheese. Bake for further 10 to 15 minutes.

Cheese sauce: Melt butter in saucepan, stir in flour; cook gently, stirring, 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, stir until sauce boils and thickens. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg. Add cheeses, stir until cheeses melt.