Veal Lasagna Recipe – Slow-Simmered Tomato Sauce with Layers of Fresh Pasta and Cheese

Veal Lasagna Recipe

This recipe is used with permission and is owned by 7 Numbers restaurant

This veal lasagna recipe brings together rich Italian flavors with slow-cooked tomato sauce, tender ground veal, and layers of fresh pasta and cheese, creating a comforting dish perfect for family-style dining. Featured on DNA Dinners, host Iafa Almeida Cac showcases a traditional-style lasagna that highlights slow cooking, bold flavor, and classic Italian technique.

The Inspiration

This dish is inspired by traditional Italian home cooking, where long-simmered sauces and layered baked pastas form the heart of family meals. Known for its comforting richness and depth of flavor, lasagna represents a timeless approach to cooking that values patience and simplicity.

On DNA Dinners, Iafa Almeida Cac brings this classic recipe to life by focusing on slow-cooked tomato sauce and carefully layered ingredients that build flavor over time. The combination of veal, Pecorino Romano, and mozzarella creates a deeply savory profile, while the fresh pasta sheets absorb the sauce during baking, resulting in a tender yet structured dish. This recipe celebrates the essence of Italian comfort food—humble ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying and shareable.

Ingredients

Tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 28-ounce (796 ml) cans tomato puree
• Salt

Meat sauce

• 1 tablespoon
• 1 small bunch (4-5) green onions
• 1 pound (454 g) ground veal
• Salt and pepper
• 1 ½ cups grated Pecorino Romano
• 1 ½ cups grated fresh, high quality mozzarella

Lasagna

• Olive oil
• 8 long Lasagna sheets (uncooked)
• Large bowl filled with ice water

Method

For the tomato sauce

• Add olive oil to a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
• Add onion and sauté until browned.  Add tomato puree to pot.
• Season with salt and stir in. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 -4 hours.
• Preheat oven to 475 F (250 C).

For the meat sauce

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add green onions and sauté until softened.
• Add ground veal, season with salt and pepper, and cook. Once veal is cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.

For the lasagna

• Boil a large pot of salted water.
• Add a little olive oil to the water.
• Add sheets of lasagna to the pot of water one by one, then boil for 2-3 minutes.
• Carefully remove the sheets from the pot and immediately put them in bowl of ice water to stop them from cooking.

To assemble the lasagna

• Take a lasagna pan and add a scoop of tomato sauce to cover the bottom of the pan. Lay down sheets of lasagna over tomato sauce to completely cover the bottom, cutting the noodles to fit if necessary. Layer over a hefty dose of grated Pecorino, ground veal, and mozzarella to completely cover the lasagna noodles. Add another layer of lasagna sheets and repeat until you run out of lasagna sheets or meat sauce. Top the last layer of noodles with tomato sauce and Pecorino only.
• Put in the oven to bake. When you see the lasagna noodles have started to cook, lower the heat to 300 F (150 C) and leave it for 1 ½  hours, periodically checking that the sauce hasn’t dried up, and adding more if it has.

Serving Suggestions

This veal lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where comfort food is the focus. The rich layers of tomato sauce, tender veal, and melted cheese make it a hearty centerpiece that pairs beautifully with simple sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness, while warm crusty bread is ideal for soaking up extra sauce.

For entertaining, serve the lasagna directly from the baking dish at the table for a rustic, family-style presentation. Garnish with extra grated Pecorino Romano for added depth of flavor. This dish also pairs well with roasted vegetables or antipasto platters for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Beverages such as sparkling water, light red wine, or herbal iced tea complement the richness of the dish without overpowering its flavors.

Final Thoughts

This veal lasagna recipe is a celebration of traditional Italian comfort cooking, built on slow-simmered sauces, layered pasta, and rich, savory fillings. The combination of tomato, veal, and cheese creates a deeply satisfying dish that is both hearty and memorable.

Whether you are preparing it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and timeless appeal. It showcases how simple ingredients, when cooked with care and patience, can become an unforgettable centerpiece meal.