This Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce is comfort food at its absolute best. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or impressing your guests, this dish features rich, slow-cooked beef ragu layered with tender pasta and creamy béchamel sauce. It’s hearty and indulgent, making it an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The deep, savory taste of beef short rib ragu creates a satisfying experience in every bite.
Creamy Texture: The béchamel sauce adds a velvety smoothness that perfectly complements the layers of lasagna.
Comforting Meal: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings or special occasions.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this lasagna a day in advance for easy entertaining and stress-free serving.
Versatile Ingredients: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and adjust the cheese options to suit dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious lasagna, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help simplify the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large pot
Skillet
Baking dish
Whisk
Wooden spoon

Why These Tools Matter

Large pot: Ideal for simmering the beef short rib ragu until it’s perfectly tender.
Skillet: Great for sautéing vegetables and building flavor in your ragu.
Baking dish: Ensures your lasagna cooks evenly and holds all those wonderful layers together.
Whisk: Essential for achieving a smooth béchamel sauce without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Beef Ragu

3 lbs beef short ribs
1 tbsp olive oil
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
1 large onion (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
2 carrots (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1½ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup red grape juice
2 cups beef broth or bone broth
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves

For the Lasagna Assembly

1 box lasagna sheets (regular or gluten-free)
6 tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz Parmigiano Reggiano (grated)
⅔ cup all-purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free flour
3 cups whole milk
½ tsp fine sea salt
1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Ragu

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Season the beef short ribs with kosher salt and black pepper; sear them until browned on all sides.
Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until softened.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes before adding crushed tomatoes, grape juice, beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaves.
Return the seared beef to the pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover; let simmer for about 6 hours until tender.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter.
Whisk in flour until you form a roux; cook for about 2 minutes while stirring.
Gradually add whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Cook until thickened; season with fine sea salt.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a layer of beef ragu at the bottom of your baking dish.
Layer lasagna sheets over the ragu followed by béchamel sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with béchamel sauce and mozzarella on top.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden brown on top.
Let it cool slightly before serving to allow layers to set.

Enjoy this comforting Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce as a delightful centerpiece for any meal!

How to Serve Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

This Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce is a hearty dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Family Style

Large Serving Dish: Present the lasagna in a large, deep dish for everyone to help themselves.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for added freshness.

Individual Portions

Personal Plates: Serve individual portions on stylish plates for an elegant touch.
Accompany with Salad: Include a small side salad for balance and added crunch.

Comfort Food Vibes

Warm Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Cozy Atmosphere: Dim the lights and add candles for a homely feel during dinner.

How to Perfect Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

To ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

Bold Seasoning: Use enough salt and pepper in both ragu and béchamel; this enhances overall flavor.
Layer Evenly: Distribute ragu and béchamel evenly between the layers to avoid dry spots.
Pre-cook Noodles: If using traditional lasagna sheets, slightly pre-cook them to prevent them from becoming too firm.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking; this helps the layers set properly.
Experiment with Cheeses: Combine mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone for unique flavors.
Keep it Covered: Cover the lasagna while baking to maintain moisture and prevent burning.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna can elevate the meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter complements the rich flavors of the lasagna.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrition on the plate.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy side that balances the heaviness of lasagna.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella create a vibrant salad that brightens up the meal.
Mixed Greens Salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette adds a light touch to your dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This section highlights some common pitfalls when making Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce, helping you achieve the best results.

Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the beef short ribs can lead to a less flavorful ragu. Always sear the meat for deeper flavors before slow cooking.
Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the lasagna noodles too long, they may become mushy in the final dish. Boil them just until al dente; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Neglecting seasoning: Underseasoned ragu can taste bland. Taste at different stages and adjust salt and pepper as needed for a well-balanced flavor.
Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese can affect texture and taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano for a rich, creamy lasagna.
Not allowing it to rest: Cutting into the lasagna immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 30-40 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of meat in Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce?

Yes! You can substitute beef short ribs with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

How do I make my béchamel sauce thicker?

To thicken your béchamel sauce, let it simmer longer while stirring consistently until it reaches your desired consistency.

What is the best way to layer my lasagna?

Start with a layer of ragu at the bottom, followed by noodles, béchamel sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.

Can I prepare Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes of cook time if baking straight from cold.

Conclusion

This Beef Short Rib Ragu Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce is truly comfort food at its finest. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different cheeses for unique variations. Enjoy cooking this delightful dish!