Mary Berry Lasagne Recipe with Crème Fraîche

This Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche is a rich, comforting, and beautifully layered pasta bake featuring a creamy topping instead of the traditional béchamel sauce. The crème fraîche adds a tangy smoothness that keeps the dish lighter while still delivering deep, satisfying flavors. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals, this recipe brings together tender pasta sheets, a hearty meat sauce, and a silky golden topping—all baked to perfection.

What Is Mary Berry’s Lasagne with Crème Fraîche?

Mary Berry’s version of lasagne replaces the classic white sauce with a mixture of crème fraîche, egg, and cheese. This makes the dish quicker, lighter, and easier to prepare while still keeping it rich, creamy, and delicious.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Apple Chutney
• Mary Berry Green Tomato Chutney
• Mary Berry Quince Jelly

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Creamy yet lighter topping thanks to crème fraîche.
• Quick and easy, no time-consuming béchamel needed.
• Perfect for meal prep—flavors get even better the next day.
• Family-friendly, comforting, and balanced.
• Ideal for gatherings, as it serves many and bakes evenly.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 750g beef mince
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 150ml beef stock
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crème Fraîche Topping:

• 300ml crème fraîche
• 1 large egg
• 100g grated cheddar or parmesan
• Salt and pepper

To Assemble:

• 9–12 lasagne sheets (fresh or dried)
• Extra cheese for topping

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Deep frying pan or casserole pot
• Mixing bowl
• Large baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Sharp knife and chopping board

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat oil in a large pan. Add onions and carrots, cooking until tender. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add mince and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and beef stock.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 25–30 minutes, thickening into a rich, hearty sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Crème Fraîche Topping

In a bowl, whisk together crème fraîche, egg, grated cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Lasagne

Add a thin layer of meat sauce to the baking dish, followed by lasagne sheets. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with pasta.

Step 7: Spread the Crème Fraîche Topping

Pour the crème fraîche mixture over the top layer, spreading it evenly.

Step 8: Add Cheese on Top

Sprinkle extra grated cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.

Step 9: Bake

Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set beautifully.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Too runny: Used full-fat crème fraîche and whisked in the egg properly.
• Pasta sheets hard: Made sure the sauce fully covered every layer.
• Lasagne watery: Simmered sauce longer to reduce excess liquid.
• Top didn’t brown: Added extra cheese and baked for 5 minutes more.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche

Use low-fat crème fraîche, substitute beef mince with lean turkey, add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, and reduce the cheese amount slightly.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche

• Beef mince → turkey or chicken mince
• Crème fraîche → Greek yogurt (full-fat)
• Cheddar → mozzarella or parmesan
• Beef stock → vegetable stock for a lighter flavor

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche

• Garlic bread – Adds crunch and flavor.
• Green salad – Fresh and light contrast.
• Roasted vegetables – Warm and wholesome.
• Steamed broccoli – Simple and nutritious.
• Tomato basil salad – Bright and refreshing.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche

• Use full-fat crème fraîche for a smooth set.
• Simmer the sauce long enough to avoid watery layers.
• Let the lasagne rest so slices hold their shape.
• Soften dried lasagne sheets by adding extra sauce.
• Season each layer lightly for balanced flavor.
• Use a deep dish to prevent overflow.
• Bake uncovered for a golden top.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Lasagne with Crème Fraîche

• Add spinach to the meat sauce for color.
• Use pork and beef mix for a richer flavor.
• Add mushrooms for earthy depth.
• Mix pesto into the crème fraîche for a herby finish.
• Use chili flakes for a slight kick.

Storing Mary Berry Lasagne the Right Way

• Fridge: Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
• Thaw: Defrost overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Lasagne (If Needed)

• Oven: 180°C for 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave: 2–3 minutes per slice.
• Add foil to prevent drying out.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 530
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg

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FAQs

Why is my lasagne watery after baking?

A watery lasagna usually means the meat sauce wasn’t reduced enough. Simmer the sauce until thick and rich before layering. Also, ensure the lasagne rests for at least 10 minutes after baking so the layers can firm up.

How do I stop the pasta sheets from staying hard in the lasagne?

Pasta sheets stay hard when they don’t have enough moisture. Make sure each layer of pasta is fully covered with meat sauce. If using dried sheets, add a little extra sauce around the edges to help soften them during baking.

Why did my crème fraîche layer turn runny instead of setting?

The topping becomes runny if low-fat crème fraîche or no egg was used. Always choose full-fat crème fraîche and whisk it with the egg to help it set firmly and bake into a creamy, golden crust.

Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is excellent for preparing in advance. Assemble the lasagne, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When baking from cold, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.

Wrapping It Up

This Mary Berry Lasagne Recipe with Crème Fraîche is creamy, hearty, and incredibly simple to prepare. With its flavorful meat sauce and luxurious topping, it’s a dish that brings comfort to any table.