Bolognese Lasagna

Step 1: TO MAKE THE PASTA*

Step 2: In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment add flour and salt to the mixing bowl.

Step 3: With mixer on low speed, add 1 egg at a time until incorporated.

Step 4: Continue to mix for 3 to 4 minutes until the dough starts to come together.

Step 5: Remove dough from mixer and knead to form a ball.

Step 6: Cover and let rest for 1 hour.

Step 7: Roll out pasta. Cut dough into 12 pieces.

Step 8: Roll dough into thick sheets on the pasta machine, starting at the thickest setting, reducing pasta setting one mark each time you roll the dough through.

Step 9: Cook pasta in boiling salted water for about 4 minutes or until just al dente.

Step 10: Transfer to bowl with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 11: Drain on towel.

TO MAKE THE BOLOGNESE SAUCE

Step 12: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat.

Step 13: Add the onion and saute 3 to 4 minutes or until soft.

Step 14: Add the beef and Italian sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned.

Step 15: Add the garlic and carrots and saute for 3 minutes just to soften.

Step 16: Add the thyme sprigs, bay leaves, oregano, tomatoes and salt and pepper and bring to boil.

Step 17: Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 55 to 60 minutes or until sauce is thickened and flavour has developed to your liking.

Step 18: Add the fresh basil and adjust seasoning.

Step 19: Bechamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan on medium heat, melt butter.

Step 20: Add the flour and stir with wooden spoon until a paste forms.

Step 21: Remove from heat and add the cold milk a little at a time while stirring well between each addition.

Step 22: Return to heat once all the milk is added and mixture is smooth.

Step 23: Continue stirring over medium heat until sauce comes to a boil and thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 24: Add a pinch of nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 25: Add the Pecorino and Parmesan cheese and stir.

FOR THE ASSEMBLY

Step 26: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 27: Oil the bottom of a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish.

Step 28: Reserve a quarter of the bechamel sauce for the top layer.

Step 29: Layer lasagna, starting with pasta and alternating bolognese sauce, grated cheese and bechamel sauce.

Step 30: Season well between each layer.

Step 31: Finish with a layer pasta, the reserved bechamel sauce and extra cheese on the top layer to finish (you should have 6 layers of lasagna).

Step 32: Bake lasagna in middle of oven for about 35 to 40 minutes or until golden.