Lasagne was one of the first things I learned to cook and it still remains one of my favourite comfort food dishes. This version yields next-level results. I’ve used braised beef shin but you could also use flank steak, but either way cooked gently until quiveringly tender, which makes all the difference to the ragu, which is then layered between pasta and a rich cheese sauce.
4.5lbs beef shin, cut into pieces
3 tbsp plain flour, seasoned
4–5 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
8oz chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, grated
1 bay leaf
5 sprigs of fresh oregano, leaves stripped
2 tbsp tomato purée
15fl oz red wine
7fl oz fresh beef stock
14oz tin chopped tomatoes
2 tsp red wine vinegar
12 sheets of fresh lasagne pasta
Mixed leaves, to serve
For the cheese sauce:
3/4 stick butter
2.5oz plain flour
27fl oz whole milk
5oz Cheddar cheese, grated
3.5oz Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2kg beef shin, cut into pieces
3 tbsp plain flour, seasoned
4–5 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
250g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, grated
1 bay leaf
5 sprigs of fresh oregano, leaves stripped
2 tbsp tomato purée
450ml red wine
200ml fresh beef stock
400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 tsp red wine vinegar
12 sheets of fresh lasagne pasta
Mixed leaves, to serve
For the cheese sauce:
75g butter
75g plain flour
800ml whole milk
150g Cheddar cheese, grated
100g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Casserole
Pan
Large ovenproof dish