If you love lasagna but don’t always feel up to making a complicated version, this Tomato Lasagna is the perfect solution. It’s a beautifully simple, meat‑free dish made with layers of tender pasta, a rich homemade tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and plenty of cheese. The flavors are clean, comforting, and wonderfully satisfying — proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something truly delicious.
This recipe comes together easily, uses everyday pantry staples, and bakes into a golden, bubbling dish that’s perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Serve it with a salad and garlic bread, and you’ve got a cozy, crowd‑pleasing dinner everyone will love.
There is no meat in this dish and I can promise you you won't miss having any meat in this dish at all. The richness of that luxurious bechamel more than makes up for any lack . . . and the tomato sauce . . . simple and yet sublime.
- 2 TBS good quality olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and mashed slightly
- 3 (14-oz) tins of chopped tomatoes in their own juice (I like to use a good Italian brand)
- about a dozen or so torn basil leaves
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (125g) butter
- 1/2 cup plus 2 TBS (85g) plain flour
- 5 cups (2 pints) of whole milk, warmed
- freshly grated nutmeg
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces (3/4 pound) of fresh lasagna sheets
- 3 ounces (85g) freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
- 6 ounces (170g) grated mozzarella or a mixture of mozzarella, cheddar, fontina, etc. (In other words which cheese you are in the mood to eat, or what you have on hand)
- butter to dot or additional Parmesan to sprinkle (optional)
- For the sauce, place the oil in a saucepan and heat it until fairly warm. Add the garlic and cook until it becomes quite fragrant. (Don't let the garlic brown.)
- Add the tomatoes and a good pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or so until it resembles a sauce. Add the basil and 1 cup of hot water towards the end of the cooking time. (It should be quite thick. Just add enough of the hot water to give you a sauce which is the consistency you want.)
- Puree until smooth with a stick blender, or very carefully in a regular blender. (You can either leave the garlic in, or remove it as you wish.) Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and some pepper if required. (I usually leave the garlic in for more flavor.)
- To make the bechamel, melt the butter in a saucepan and then whisk in the flour. Cook for several minutes over low heat and then slowly whisk in the warm milk. (Don't be in a rush.)
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Season with salt, pepper and a bit of freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or so on low heat, until you have a very thick and smooth sauce. Set aside. (Use a medium-low heat to begin with and then reduce to low.)
- Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Butter a deep 8 1/2 by 12 inch baking dish. Drizzle the bottom with some of the bechamel. (Just enough to coat the bottom of the dish lightly.)
- Put a slightly overlapping layer of the lasagna sheets over the bechamel. Dollop with some of the tomato sauce, spreading it out. Dollop another two hefty spoonful's of bechamel over top and then a layer of the cheeses.
- Add another layer of lasagna, and then repeat with the tomato, bechamel and cheese as before, and then again, repeating the layers one more time, finishing with a final layer of lasagna and a few tablespoons of tomato sauce and a good portion of bechamel. You can sprinkle with some additional parmesan cheese if you desire, or dot with some butter.
- Place in the heated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until it is bubbling and golden brown on top. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
- Read through the recipe several times before beginning to help familiarize yourself with any ingredients or equipment needed.
- Assemble all of your ingredients together before you begin so that you don't leave anything out by accident.
- Use the best quality canned Italian Tomatoes that you can find. There really is a difference in the flavor.
- Use whole milk and full fat cheeses.
- Use fresh lasagna sheets if possible
Tomato Lasagna
This is simple, uncomplicated, straightforward and delicious. A delicious tomato sauce, with some cheese, lasagna sheets and a good bechamel. You can dress it up by adding some different cheeses, such as goat's cheese, or a few dollops of pesto, or some grilled vegetables between the layers. What you have here is a canvas to write your own story upon.
Ingredients
- 2 TBS good quality olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and mashed slightly
- 3 (14-oz) tins of chopped tomatoes in their own juice (I like to use a good Italian brand)
- about a dozen or so torn basil leaves
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (125g) butter
- 1/2 cup plus 2 TBS (85g) plain flour
- 5 cups (2 pints) of whole milk, warmed
- freshly grated nutmeg
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces (3/4 pound) of fresh lasagna sheets
- 3 ounces (85g) freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
- 6 ounces (170g) grated mozzarella or a mixture of mozzarella, cheddar, fontina, etc. (In other words which cheese you are in the mood to eat, or what you have on hand)
- butter to dot or additional Parmesan to sprinkle (optional)
Instructions
- For the sauce, place the oil in a saucepan and heat it until fairly warm. Add the garlic and cook until it becomes quite fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and a good pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or so until it resembles a sauce. Add the basil and 1 cup of hot water towards the end of the cooking time.
- Puree until smooth with a stick blender, or very carefully in a regular blender. (You can either leave the garlic in, or remove it as you wish.) Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and some pepper if required.
- To make the bechamel, melt the butter in a saucepan and then whisk in the flour. Cook for several minutes over low heat and then slowly whisk in the warm milk.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Season with salt, pepper and a bit of freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or so on low heat, until you have a very thick and smooth sauce. Set aside.
- Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Butter a deep 8 1/2 by 12 inch baking dish. Drizzle the bottom with some of the bechamel.
- Put a slightly overlapping layer of the lasagna sheets over the bechamel. Dollop with some of the tomato sauce, spreading it out. Dollop another two hefty spoonful's of bechamel over top and then a layer of the cheeses.
- Add another layer of lasagna, and then repeat with the tomato, bechamel and cheese as before, and then again, repeating the layers one more time, finishing with a final layer of lasagna and a few tablespoons of tomato sauce and a good portion of bechamel. You can sprinkle with some additional parmesan cheese if you desire, or dot with some butter.
- Place in the heated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until it is bubbling and golden brown on top. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
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If you’ve only ever made custard from a packet, you’re in for a real treat. Proper homemade custard is smooth, silky, and full of rich vanilla flavor. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and it turns even the most humble dessert into something special. With just a few basic ingredients and a gentle hand at the stove, you can create a traditional custard that’s perfect for pouring over puddings, cakes, crumbles, or enjoying all on its own.
This step‑by‑step tutorial shows you exactly how to make custard from scratch, with tips to help you get the perfect texture every time.
- 2 cups (480ml) of full fat milk
- 2 1/4 cups (540ml) of double cream
- 6 TBS caster sugar (fine granulated sugar)
- 1 vanilla pod, sliced in half lengthwise and the seeds scraped out (or 1 tsp of vanilla paste)
- 8 large egg yolks
You could use vanilla extract, but do use pure so as to avoid an artificial flavor.
Do not be tempted to use the whole egg. It simply won't work. You can freeze the whites in ice cube trays, ready to use in recipes which require a lot of whites such as angel food cake, pavlova or meringues.
- Place the milk, cream, half of the sugar and the vanilla pod, seeds or paste into a saucepan. Bring just to the boil, then remove from the heat and allow to sit for several minutes in order for the vanilla to infuse. (Do not allow to boil.)
- Whisk the egg yolks together with the remaining sugar until light in color. Whisk in a bit of the hot milk mixture, then add the remaining milk mixture, whisking continuously. (Don't be in a rush to add the hot mixture or you may end up with scrambled eggs.)
- Strain this mixture back into the saucepan, removing the vanilla pod. (This can be rinsed, dried and stuck into your sugar jar, where it will make your sugar smell gorgeous and impart some vanilla flavor as well.)
- Cook and stir over a very gentle heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cooking just until the mixture thickens and begins to coat the back of the spoon. (You can also check for doneness easily using a metal spoon. If you dip the spoon into the custard and then pull your finger through it on the back of the spoon, it should leave a very clear draw.)
- Remove from the heat immediately. It should be lump free, but if you do have a few, simply restrain it into a clean jug. (I always strain mine twice just to be sure.)
- Serve hot or cold.
- Read through the recipe thoroughly before beginning so that you are familiar with everything needed and required to make this recipe.
- Assemble all of your ingredients before you begin so nothing gets accidentally left out.
- When heating the milk to infuse it, don’t over heat it! Bring it just up to the boil then remove from the heat.
- Don't be in a rush. Haste makes waste.
- Stir the custard mixture constantly when cooking to help prevent lumps.
- If you do get lumps, whisk vigorously to get rid of them.
- If your custard comes out a bit too thick, you can whisk in a bit of additional milk or cream to thin it.

Proper Custard
You can call it many names . . . creme de la vanille, creme anglaise . . . it matters not. It's all vanilla custard and it is wonderfully delicious when properly made and homemade. Its a lot easier to make than you might suppose!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480ml) of full fat milk
- 2 1/4 cups (540ml) of double cream
- 6 TBS caster sugar (fine granulated sugar)
- 1 vanilla pod, sliced in half lengthwise and the seeds scraped out (or 1 tsp of vanilla paste)
- 8 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Place the milk, cream, half of the sugar and the vanilla pod, seeds or paste into a saucepan. Bring just to the boil, then remove from the heat and allow to sit for several minutes in order for the vanilla to infuse.
- Whisk the egg yolks together with the remaining sugar until light in colour. Whisk in a bit of the hot milk mixture, then add the remaining milk mixture, whisking continuously.
- Strain this mixture back into the saucepan, removing the vanilla pod. (This can be rinsed, dried and stuck into your sugar jar, where it will make your sugar smell gorgeous and impart some vanilla flavour as well.)
- Cook and stir over a very gentle heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cooking just until the mixture thickens and begins to coat the back of the spoon.
- Remove from the heat immediately. It should be lump free, but if you do have a few, simply restrain it into a clean jug.
- Serve hot or cold.
Notes
The secret to successful custard is to not be in a hurry. If the worse happens and it starts to separate, whizz it in the blender. You can of course, pre-empt this problem by adding a small teaspoon of cornstarch to the egg yolks before adding the milk.
Did you make this recipe?
This content, written and photography, is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at mariealicejoan at aol dot com.
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast that feels a little playful, these Breakfast Waffle Quesadillas are a great option. They’re simple to make, kid‑friendly, and perfect for busy mornings when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of prep. Crisp buttery dimpled tortillas, melted cheese, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon come together in just minutes, creating a delicious handheld breakfast everyone will love.
This recipe is ideal for weekends, brunch, or even breakfast‑for‑dinner. It’s easy, customizable, and a fun way to switch up your usual morning routine.
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 4 TBS each finely chopped red, green and yellow pepper
- 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
- salt, black pepper and pepper sauce to taste
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) grated cheese
- 6 slices streaky bacon cooked
- 4 (8-inch wheat tortillas)
- butter or cooking spray
- guacamole, sour cream, salsa, etc. as desired
- Beat the eggs together with the milk, onions, peppers, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce, until well combined. (I like to soften my onions and peppers first by either cooking them in the microwave or sautéing them lightly. This helps to prevent them from releasing too much moisture into the eggs.)
- Add a knob of butter to a skillet and heat over medium heat. Once the butter starts to foam add the egg mixture. Scramble, folding over and over, using a rubber spatula, until cooked through. (I like the eggs softly scrambled, not dry. As they will be cooking further in a waffle iron this helps to prevent them from being overcooked.)
- Brush one side of each tortilla with some butter or spritz with cooking spray. (I prefer butter myself.)
- Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Place one tortilla onto the bottom of the waffle iron, buttered side down. Top with a quarter of the cheese. Spread half of the scrambled egg over top and lay 3 of the slices of streaky bacon on top. Top with another quarter of the cheese and another tortilla buttered side up. (Don't overfill. Too much cheese and you have an oily finish. You don't want things leaking out of your tortillas and creating a mess.)
- Close the waffle iron and toast until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Keep warm in the oven and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Cut both quesadillas into quarters and serve hot with your favorite toppings or fixings.
- Use a non-stick waffle iron and spray it well with non-stick cooking spray before you begin.
- Sauté your fresh vegetables until soft before adding them to the eggs. This will help them to release any water and prevent your eggs from being watery.
- Make sure your bacon is not cooked too crispy. Semi-crisp bacon works better.
- Don't be tempted to overstuff your tortillas. This is a case where less is more.
- You will know they are done when the waffle marks are golden brown and the edges are crisp.
- Use a non-stick cooking spray and a rubber spatula to protect your waffle iron from getting scratched and for easy release.
Breakfast Waffle Quesadillas
I love stretching the limitations of my waffle maker and this is one of the most delicious ways yet! Scrumptious!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 4 TBS each finely chopped red, green and yellow pepper
- 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
- salt, black pepper and pepper sauce to taste
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) grated cheese
- 6 slices streaky bacon cooked
- 4 (8-inch wheat tortillas)
- butter or cooking spray
- guacamole, sour cream, salsa, etc. as desired
Instructions
- Beat the eggs together with the milk, onions, peppers, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce, until well combined.
- Add a knob of butter to a skillet and heat over medium heat. Once the butter starts to foam add the egg mixture. Scramble, folding over and over, using a rubber spatula, until cooked through.
- Brush one side of each tortilla with some butter or spritz with cooking spray.
- Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Place one tortilla onto the bottom of the waffle iron, buttered side down. Top with a quarter of the cheese. Spread half of the scrambled egg over top and lay 3 of the slices of streaky bacon on top. Top with another quarter of the cheese and another tortilla buttered side up.
- Close the waffle iron and toast until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Keep warm in the oven and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Cut both quesadillas into quarters and serve hot with your favorite toppings or fixings.
Did you make this recipe?
This content, written and photography, is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at mariealicejoan at aol dot com.









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