Family Rustic Lasagna Bake with Shredded Beef, Leeks, Spinach and Oat Bechamel

Instructions

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   1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C / 350 °F.

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   2. Season the beef flank or chuck with 6 g (about 1 tsp) salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and sweet paprika.

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   3. Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on both sides for 6 to 8 minutes total.

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   4. Add the onion, carrot, and half of the garlic. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves. Once gently simmering, cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

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   5. Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the bay leaves.

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   6. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the remaining garlic and the spinach; cook 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with 2 g (about 1/3 tsp) salt.

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   7. For the oat béchamel, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

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   8. Gradually whisk in the milk to prevent lumps. Add the quick oats, nutmeg, and 2 g (about 1/3 tsp) salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, until creamy. Stir in 80 g (about 3 oz) mozzarella and 20 g Parmesan until melted.

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   9. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, then some of the beef mixture, some of the leek-spinach mixture, and a little béchamel. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel on top.

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    10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, the remaining Parmesan, and the fresh parsley over the top.

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    11. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 180 °C / 350 °F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 15 minutes more at 200 °C / 400 °F until the top is golden and bubbling.

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    12. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers can set.