Slow cook your next lasagne for extra tender mince – and this version is low-fat and low-calorie. A healthy family meal to give you comfort on cold nights
Prep:1 hr and 15 mins
Serves 4
2 tsp rapeseed oil2 onions, finely chopped4 celery sticks (about 175g), finely diced4 carrots (320g), finely diced2 garlic cloves, chopped400g lean (5% fat) mince beef400g can chopped tomatoes2 tbsp tomato purée2 tsp vegetable bouillon1 tbsp balsamic vinegar1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves6 wholewheat lasagne sheets (105g)
STEP 1Heat the slow cooker if necessary. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan and fry the onions, celery, carrots and garlic for 5-10 mins, stirring frequently until softened and starting to colour. Tip in the meat and break it down with a wooden spoon, stirring until it browns. Pour in the tomatoes with a quarter of a can of water, the tomato purée, bouillon, balsamic vinegar, thyme and plenty of black pepper, return to the boil and cook for 5 mins more.STEP 2Spoon half the mince in the slow cooker and top with half the lasagne, breaking it where necessary so it covers as much of the meat layer as possible. Top with the rest of the meat, and then another layer of the lasagne. Cover and cook on Low while you make the sauce.STEP 3Tip the milk and flour into a pan with the bay leaf and nutmeg and cook on the hob, whisking continuously until thickened. Carry on cooking for a few mins to cook the flour. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the cheese. Pour onto the pasta and spread out with a spatula, then cover and cook for 3 hours until the meat is cooked and the pasta is tender. Allow to settle for 10 mins before serving with salad.
