This classic lasagne al forno is a simple and delicious way to introduce toddlers to Italian flavours. With easy-to-find ingredients, diced tomatoes and herbs along with a creamy white sauce, this toddler-friendly recipe is the perfect meal to please the whole family. Follow this simple step-by-step recipe from Toddler Recipes Australia for this delicious and nutritious lasagne al forno - a meal that will have your little ones asking for seconds.

General Information

• Servings: 4
• Keywords: Lasagne, Lasagna Al Forno, Lasagna Bake
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 66g
• Fats: 26g
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 400g lasagne sheets
• 400g minced beef
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons mixed Italian herbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Half teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan plus extra for sprinkling
• 300ml of milk
• 2 tablespoons of plain flour
• 25g of salted butter
• 200g of ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Finely chop the onion, celery and garlic and cook in the olive oil on a low heat until the vegetables are soft (but not browned) - about 7-8 minutes.

3. Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until it is browned, around 10 minutes.

4. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato puree, herbs, pepper and half of the chopped parsley, and simmer for a further 10-15 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, to make the white sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat. Add the flour, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, then slowly add the milk stirring all the time until the sauce thickens. Simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the parmesan, ricotta and egg.

7. In an oven-proof dish, spread a layer of the beef mixture, followed by a layer of lasagne sheets. Pour over a third of the white sauce.

8. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of white sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan, some extra chopped parsley and a few knobs of butter.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Recommended Sides

A delicious side to serve with this lasagne is a side salad with a light balsamic dressing.

Alternatively, why not serve it with a side of cheesy garlic bread for an even heartier dinner?

Bon Appetit!