Jamie Oliver Butternut Squash Lasagne Recipe

Easy Jamie Oliver Butternut Squash Lasagne Recipe for Cozy Nights

Your culinary adventure begins with Jamie Oliver’s butternut squash lasagne that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Layers of rich, velvety textures meld together in a symphony of comfort and elegance.

Warm, earthy flavors dance through each carefully constructed bite, promising something far beyond a traditional pasta dish.

Mediterranean influences whisper through subtle herb combinations and unexpected ingredient pairings.

The recipe captures rustic charm with sophisticated cooking techniques that elevate home cooking to restaurant-quality artistry.

Hearty and satisfying, this lasagne represents more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients and creative cooking: prepare to be delighted.

Why Jamie Oliver’s Butternut Squash Lasagne Is So Comforting

Why Jamie Oliver's Butternut Squash Lasagne Is So Comforting
  • Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic lasagne into a gourmet experience with Jamie Oliver's innovative butternut squash twist, blending rich meaty flavors with sweet roasted vegetables for a luxurious one-dish meal.
  • Texture Sensation: Enjoy a delightful contrast between tender roasted squash, crispy pancetta, creamy white sauce, and perfectly layered pasta that creates an incredibly satisfying mouthfeel in every single bite.
  • Flavor Complexity: Discover a sophisticated flavor profile that combines warm cinnamon, spicy dried chili, aromatic herbs, and umami-rich anchovies, elevating this lasagne from ordinary to extraordinary with carefully balanced ingredients.

All You Need for Jamie Oliver’s Butternut Squash Lasagne

Meat and Protein:
  • Pancetta: Adds rich, salty flavor and provides base for meat sauce.
  • Minced Meats: Hearty protein component that creates robust sauce base.
  • Anchovies: Brings depth and umami flavor to white sauce.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Crème Fraîche: Creamy base for white sauce with subtle tanginess.
  • Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for gooey, stretchy cheese topping.
  • Parmesan: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps create golden crust.
  • Milk: Helps adjust white sauce consistency if needed.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Butternut Squash: Sweet, roasted vegetable that adds texture and flavor.
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrot: Classic aromatic base for building depth in meat sauce.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances meat sauce complexity.
Herbs and Spices:
  • Fresh Herbs: Adds freshness and herbal notes to the dish.
  • Dried Chili: Provides subtle heat and warmth.
  • Coriander Seeds: Brings slightly citrusy, nutty undertone.
Pantry Staples:
  • Tomatoes: Creates rich, acidic base for meat sauce.
  • Wine: Adds depth and helps tenderize meat.
  • Lasagne Sheets: Structural component of the lasagne.
  • Olive Oil: Used for roasting and preventing sticking.

Steps to Make Jamie Oliver’s Butternut Squash Lasagne

Steps to Make Jamie Oliver's Butternut Squash Lasagne

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Gather and prepare your ingredients:
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Carrot
  • Pancetta
  • Fresh herbs

Chop the onion, garlic, and carrot finely. Slice the pancetta and pick the herb leaves.

Step 2: Create the Meat Sauce

Heat a large casserole pan over medium heat. Slowly fry pancetta and cinnamon until golden brown. Add:
  • Chopped vegetables
  • Herbs
  • Minced meats
  • Tomatoes
  • Wine

Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer in the oven for 2 hours.

Step 3: Roast the Butternut Squash

Prepare the squash:
  • Halve the butternut squash
  • Chop into bite-sized pieces
  • Drizzle with olive oil
  • Sprinkle with crushed coriander seeds
  • Add dried chili

Roast in the oven for 45 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy White Sauce

Mix together:
  • Chopped anchovies
  • Crème fraîche
  • Parmesan cheese

Season the mixture and loosen with milk if it’s too thick.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Lasagne

Layer the lasagne in a baking dish:
  • Lasagne sheets
  • Meat sauce
  • White sauce
  • Roasted squash
Top with:
  • Torn mozzarella
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice and plate with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Helpful Hints for a Delicious Jamie Oliver Butternut Squash Lasagne

Helpful Hints for a Delicious Jamie Oliver Butternut Squash Lasagne
  • Unleash Spice Potential: Toast coriander seeds until fragrant, releasing their hidden nutty and citrusy flavors that elevate the butternut squash's complexity.
  • Master Sauce Development: Slow-roast ragù in the oven, letting ingredients transform and merge into a deep, rich sauce that becomes the lasagne's flavor backbone.
  • Achieve Perfect Squash Roasting: Cut pieces identically to guarantee uniform caramelization, preventing uneven burning and ensuring consistent texture.
  • Create Silky Sauce Consistency: Add milk gradually to crème fraîche mixture, transforming thick cream into a smooth, spreadable layer that glides between lasagne components.
  • Supercharge Cheese Impact: Select aged Parmesan with robust, sharp notes that dramatically intensify the dish's overall taste profile and aromatic depth.

How to Store Jamie Oliver’s Butternut Squash Lasagne

How to Store Jamie Oliver's Butternut Squash Lasagne
  • Meal Prep Magic: Slice and portion the lasagne into individual servings before refrigerating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed container. This strategy prevents freezer burn and makes reheating a breeze for quick weeknight dinners.
  • Freezer Preservation: Allow the lasagne to cool completely at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Transfer to a rigid, freezer-safe container with an airtight lid, leaving a small space at the top to accommodate expansion. Label with the date and contents to track freshness.
  • Thawing Technique: Remove frozen lasagne from the freezer and transfer to the refrigerator 24 hours before reheating. This slow thawing method maintains the dish's texture and prevents moisture loss.

Ways to Vary Jamie Oliver’s Butternut Squash Lasagne

  • Vegetarian Squash Sensation: Replace pancetta and minced meats with lentils or plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the rich flavor profile and hearty texture of the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the aromatic qualities, using zucchini instead of butternut squash for a lighter Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Calabrian Spin: Add nduja sausage and extra chili flakes to create a more intense, fiery southern Italian-style lasagne with deeper heat and complexity.
  • Goat Cheese Classic: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with creamy goat cheese and pecorino, introducing a tangy, sharp flavor that complements the sweet roasted squash and rich meat sauce.

Concluding Thoughts on Jamie Oliver’s Butternut Squash Lasagne

Succulent layers of Jamie Oliver’s butternut squash lasagne reveal culinary magic beyond traditional recipes.

Rustic Italian influences dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Mediterranean herbs and roasted squash create unexpected flavor symphonies.

Pancetta’s smoky whispers complement creamy white sauce perfectly.

Complex textures merge into comfort food nirvana.

Grab your fork, snap a pic, share this recipe passion – because memorable meals connect souls more deeply than words ever could.

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Jamie Oliver Butternut Squash Lasagne Recipe

Jamie Oliver Butternut Squash Lasagne Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Jamie Oliver’s butternut squash lasagne brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with layers of roasted squash, creamy ricotta, and sage-infused bechamel. Rich seasonal flavors meld together, promising a hearty meal that will delight your senses and warm your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 Butternut squash, chopped
  • 400 g Beef shin or stewing beef, minced
  • 200 g Pork belly, skin removed, minced
  • 400 g Fresh lasagne sheets
  • 400 g Mozzarella cheese, torn up
  • 500 milliliters (17 fluid ounces) Crème fraîche

Meat and Vegetable Ingredients:

  • 4 rashers Pancetta or smoked bacon, finely sliced
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 x 400 grams (14 ounces) Plum tomatoes
  • 3 Anchovy fillets

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • Fresh herbs (sage, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
  • 1 pinch Ground cinnamon
  • 2 glasses of Red wine
  • 2 Fresh bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds
  • 1 Dried red chili
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Milk (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Carefully dice the onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop the carrot. Thinly slice the pancetta and delicately pluck fresh herbs from their stems.
  2. Heat a large casserole pan over medium flame. Gently render the pancetta with cinnamon until it turns golden and crisp. Incorporate the chopped vegetables, herbs, and minced meats, stirring to combine thoroughly. Pour in ripe tomatoes and red wine, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.
  3. Transfer the casserole pan to the preheated oven and let the sauce develop its rich flavors for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. While the sauce simmers, prepare the butternut squash by cutting it in half and chopping into uniform cubes. Drizzle generously with olive oil, sprinkle with crushed coriander seeds and dried chili flakes for added depth.
  5. Roast the seasoned squash in the oven for 45 minutes, turning once midway to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.
  6. Create a creamy white sauce by blending finely chopped anchovies with crème fraîche and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the consistency with a splash of milk if needed, and season to taste.
  7. Assemble the lasagne by layering pasta sheets, the rich meat sauce, white sauce, and roasted squash in a baking dish. Generously top with torn fresh mozzarella and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake the assembled lasagne at 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with irresistible aroma.

Notes

  • Layer ingredients from bottom to top to build complex flavor profiles that intensify with each component.
  • Prep time investment guarantees a restaurant-quality meal that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable experiences.
  • Seasonal squash brings natural sweetness while meat sauce provides robust, hearty undertones throughout the lasagne.
  • Kitchen technique of slow roasting concentrates butternut squash’s natural sugars, creating caramelized edges packed with concentrated flavor.
  • Strategic cheese selection between mozzarella and Parmesan ensures a golden, crispy top that seals in moisture and delivers textural contrast.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking, Roasting
  • Cuisine: uk

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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