Lasagna Ala Tuscany Recipe

If you are craving a comforting dish that captures the heart of Italian home cooking, then you absolutely must try Lasagna Ala Tuscany. This luscious lasagna layers tender sheets of pasta with a rich, aromatic meat sauce and a creamy béchamel that gives every bite a delicious silkiness. With its beautiful balance of savory sausage, ground beef, garden vegetables, and fragrant herbs, Lasagna Ala Tuscany brings a rustic, hearty flavor that will have your family asking for seconds and your guests begging for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients, because each one is straightforward and plays a critical role in building the dish’s inviting taste, texture, and visual appeal. From the savory Carando Toscano sausage to the fresh vegetables and luxurious cheese, each component is a small but powerful building block of Lasagna Ala Tuscany.

• Carando Toscano Ground Sausage: Adds authentic Italian flavor and pleasant spice to the meat sauce base.
• Ground sirloin beef: Provides a hearty richness and depth to the filling layers.
• Butter: Essential for making the silky béchamel sauce that melts into every noodle.
• Flour: Used to thicken the béchamel sauce for a luscious texture.
• Whole milk: Creates the creamy body of the béchamel, balancing the savory meats.
• Onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and complexity to the pasta sauce.
• Carrots, finely chopped: Bring subtle natural sweetness and a little bite to the sauce.
• Celery, finely chopped: Contributes fresh herbal notes and crunch to the flavor profile.
• Garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, robust aroma and underlying warmth.
• Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the vegetables and creating flavor depth.
• Dry red wine: Adds acidity and richness that elevate the tomato sauce’s character.
• Can crushed tomatoes: Form the flavorful, tangy tomato base of the sauce.
• Chicken stock, no salt added: Deepens sauce flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
• Can tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato essence.
• Dried basil: Introduces classic herbaceous notes for that Tuscan charm.
• Ground thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy background flavor.
• Lasagna noodles, uncooked: Serve as the tender, chewy layers that hold everything together.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, stretchy layers of indulgence.
• Parmesan cheese, shredded: Sprinkled on top for salty, nutty finish and golden crust.

How to Make Lasagna Ala Tuscany

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

Start by melting butter over medium heat in a large 4-quart stockpot. Stir in flour and cook carefully for about 2 minutes, making sure the flour does not brown, as this is the base for your creamy béchamel. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, consistently stirring to avoid lumps. Continue cooking gently until the sauce thickens and just begins to simmer. Then remove from heat and allow it to rest at room temperature, so it’s ready to layer with the pasta and sauce.

Step 2: Make the Hearty Pasta Sauce

Next, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they soften and become fragrant. Add the Carando Toscano sausage and ground sirloin beef, cooking until browned and perfectly caramelized. Pour in the dry red wine and let it simmer away for 5 minutes, releasing its rich aroma. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, dried basil, and ground thyme, then simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency. This robust sauce is the soul of your Lasagna Ala Tuscany.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 13x9x2-inch baking pan, spoon approximately one cup of the tomato sauce onto the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay four uncooked lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce. Spread half of the remaining tomato sauce and half of the béchamel sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle about 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a creamy, cheesy layer. Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, sauces, and mozzarella, finishing off with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover your lasagna tightly with foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. After the initial bake, remove the foil to let the cheese on top brown beautifully, baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until you achieve a golden, bubbly crust that’s irresistible. This final step gives the lasagna its signature finish that is both visually stunning and mouthwateringly delicious.

How to Serve Lasagna Ala Tuscany

Garnishes

One of the joys of serving Lasagna Ala Tuscany is how you can elevate it with fresh garnishes. A scattering of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of green and a fresh herbal aroma that contrasts delightfully with the richness. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on the top after baking can also add a lovely fruity brightness. For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can bring an exciting kick.

Side Dishes

Lasagna Ala Tuscany is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, vibrant sides. A simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can brighten the palate between rich bites. Roasted seasonal vegetables or garlic bread baked with a fragrant rosemary butter make the meal even more indulgent and complete, providing texture contrasts and complementary flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Lasagna Ala Tuscany family-style straight from the baking dish fosters warm, communal dining experiences. For a more elegant presentation, slice the lasagna into squares and plate each portion with a carefully arranged side salad or vegetable ribbons. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers can make it feel special for celebrations. Alternatively, use small individual ramekins for personal lasagna servings that impress guests visually and deliciously.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna Ala Tuscany tastes amazing even the next day, as the flavors deepen during refrigeration. To store leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This gives you a convenient, ready-to-heat meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

Freezing

You can easily freeze the prepared, unbaked lasagna for up to 2 months. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual. Freezing cooked leftovers is also possible—simply cool completely before wrapping and freezing, then reheat straight from frozen or thawed.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes or until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the noodles and prevent drying out. Adding a bit of moisture like a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating can keep the lasagna moist and luscious.

FAQs

What makes Lasagna Ala Tuscany different from traditional lasagna?

Lasagna Ala Tuscany features the unique addition of Carando Toscano ground sausage and a creamy béchamel sauce layered alongside the classic tomato and meat sauce. The sautéed vegetables and dried herbs also create a more rustic, balanced flavor unique to Tuscan cuisine.

Can I substitute the meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the combination of Carando Toscano sausage and ground sirloin beef brings authentic taste, you can substitute with ground pork, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives depending on your preference and dietary needs.

Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling?

Nope! Since this recipe uses uncooked lasagna noodles, they soften beautifully during baking. The generous amount of sauce ensures they absorb enough moisture to cook perfectly in the oven.

Is it necessary to use béchamel sauce in Lasagna Ala Tuscany?

Yes, the béchamel adds a creamy richness and smooth texture that complements the robust meat and tomato sauce. It also helps bind the layers together, giving the lasagna its signature silkiness.

How can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute the flour in the béchamel with a gluten-free flour blend. Also, ensure all other ingredients like sausage and stock are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Lasagna Ala Tuscany is a dish that radiates warmth, flavor, and soulful Italian charm. Every bite delivers layers of comfort, rich sauce, and creamy goodness that makes dinner unforgettable. I truly encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a wonderful way to bring a slice of Tuscany to your own kitchen and share an experience that feels like a loving homemade hug at the dinner table.

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