Classic lasagne

RECIPE TIPS

How to prepare lasagne and freeze ahead

Assemble the lasagne, then freeze (don't cook it first). If baking from frozen, add another 45 minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze the meat sauce by itself for up to 3 months.

How long to cook lasagne

Lasagne takes roughly 45 mins to cook until deep golden on the top and crisp around the edges (the best bits for some). If you have prepared a lasagne and chilled it before baking it should still only take 45 mins. Once cooked, a lasagne will be too hot to eat straight away and is best left for at least 10-15 minutes to cool down for a better flavour. In Italy, baked pasta dishes are often served just lukewarm.

How to reheat lasagne

Leftover cooked lasagne can be covered and chilled for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated as is or in portions.

In the oven: Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. If you're only reheating a portion, cut it out and place it on a flat tray. If you want the lasagne extra crisp with a deep brown topping, then simply reheat as it is, or if you down want it any browner, then cover with foil. Reheat for 10-15 mins until hot in the middle, removing the foil for the last few mins. To reheat the rest of the lasagne in its dish, simply place the dish back in the oven, covering with foil if you want. Reheat for 20-25 minutes, removing foil for last few mins if used.

In the microwave: Using a microwave won’t give you the same crisp edge as an oven or air-fryer, but it’s still handy. Place a portion of lasagne in a microwavable dish, splash a few drops of water in the bottom, then cover the dish and microwave on medium (about 600w) for 2-3 mins until hot in the middle.

Air-fryer: Using an air-fryer is a great way to reheat lasagne quickly and keep its crispiness. Heat the air-fryer to 180C. Sit a portion of lasagne on an air-fryer friendly tray and place in the air-fryer for 4-5 mins until hot through. If the top looks like it’s starting to burn at any point, cover with foil.