Mary Berry’s lasagne is a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic that combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta. Unlike some lasagne recipes that can be overly heavy, this version balances flavors beautifully, with a well-seasoned beef and tomato sauce, a velvety white sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping.

What sets this lasagne apart is its simplicity—there’s no need for complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this lasagne delivers that satisfying homemade taste with minimal effort!

Recipe at a Glance

Before you start cooking, here are the essential details for Mary Berry Lasagne Recipe :

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Dietary Suitability: Contains dairy and gluten

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
1 can (14oz/400g) chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup (120ml) beef stock

For the Béchamel Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups (500ml) whole milk
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

For Assembling the Lasagne:

9-12 lasagne sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked)
1 ½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese

Substitutes and Optional Ingredients

Meat alternative: Use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor.
Vegetarian option: Swap the beef for a mix of mushrooms and lentils.
Cheese variation: Add ricotta between the layers for extra creaminess.

Equipment You’ll Need for Mary Berry’s Lasagne

Make sure you have the right tools before you begin:

Large frying pan or skillet
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon
Cheese grater

Mary Berry Lasagne Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Time needed: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Follow these steps to create a beautifully layered, homemade lasagne:

Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Brown the beef
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Simmer the sauce
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and beef stock. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the béchamel sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Whisk in the milk
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and nutmeg, then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the lasagne
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the pasta and sauces
Add a layer of lasagne sheets, followed by more meat sauce, then a spoonful of béchamel. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel sauce on top.
Add the cheese topping
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake to perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Rest before serving
Let the lasagne sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step-Specific Tips or Notes

For a richer sauce, let the meat sauce simmer longer—up to 40 minutes—for deeper flavor.
If using no-boil lasagne sheets, ensure the sauces are slightly looser to help cook the pasta properly.
For a crispy cheese top, broil the lasagne for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info

Each serving of this lasagne provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	28g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	40g
Sugar	8g

This lasagne contains dairy and gluten.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Rich and satisfying. A perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors in every bite.
Great for meal prep. Make ahead and reheat for easy weekday meals.
Customizable. Easily adapted for vegetarian or gluten-free diets.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mary Berry Lasagne

Let it rest before cutting. This helps the layers set, preventing a messy plate.
Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
Layer strategically. Start and end with sauce to keep the pasta sheets from drying out.

Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps

Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat sauce for heat.
White lasagne: Swap the tomato-based sauce for a creamy mushroom and spinach filling.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta sheets and a cornstarch-thickened béchamel.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Using dry pasta without enough sauce. No-boil sheets need extra moisture to soften properly.
Skipping the resting time. Cutting too soon results in a sloppy lasagne.
Overloading with cheese. Too much cheese can make the dish overly greasy.

How to Store & Serve Mary Berry Lasagne

Storing

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast.
Serve with garlic bread for an indulgent Italian-inspired meal.
Enjoy with a glass of red wine for a classic pairing.

Mary Berry Lasagne Recipe FAQs

Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready. You may need to add 10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Why is my lasagne watery?

A watery lasagne usually results from using too much liquid in the sauce or not letting it rest after baking. Make sure your meat sauce has thickened properly before layering.

Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried sheets?

Absolutely! Fresh pasta will cook faster and create a more tender lasagne. Reduce the baking time by 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

Mary Berry lasagne Recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s well worth making from scratch. With its rich meat sauce, velvety béchamel, and perfectly layered pasta, it’s a true family favorite. Whether you make it fresh or prepare it ahead, this lasagne delivers every time. Try it once, and it may become a regular on your dinner table!ons. Whether you stick to the original or try one of the variations, this lasagne is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen!