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Lasagna made by Nonna Igea

Author:

Vincenzo

Updated:

23rd Dec, 2025

20 Comments

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How to Make Lasagna | Timballo Teramano

No one does it quite like Nonna. This antique lasagna recipe is the ultimate pasta dish with a twist and it will change your life! Furthermore, enjoyed by my family for generations, it is created with an almost infinite number of hand-made crepes and filled with mince, cheese, freshly simmered tomato sauce…and a little more cheese. There is only one rule when making this stupendous Italian family recipe: Add as many layers as you can!

This lasagna recipe is made with lots of love so follow Nonna’s instructions and play a part in the rich Italian tradition of making lasagne for your next special occasion, or just because!

Watch Nonna’s Lasagna (Timballo Teramano) video recipe:

Timballo Teramano made by Nonna Igea

lasagna recipe timballo teramano

Vincenzo’s Top Tip To Make Lasagna

NOT too long!

Don’t cook the meat for too long or it will dry out. Remember, it will have another chance to cook through in the oven!

Nonna’s Tip To Make Lasagna

Careful with the amount of sauce

Be careful not to use too much sauce as it will make the lasagna recipe very soggy!

NO spaces uncovered!

Ensure that there are no uncovered spaces by adding as many crepes as needed.

Lasagna made by Nonna

Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 25 minutes mins
Cook Time: 1 hour hr
Total Time: 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Medium size saucepan
  • Medium size fry pan
  • knife
  • Chopping-board
  • Non-stick tray
  • Small bowl

Ingredients

  • For 6 pax
  • 30-35 Fresh crepes
  • 3 Large mozzarella
  • 200 grams Parmigiano reggiano, 2 cups
  • 600 grams Mixed pork & Veal mince, 1.3237 lb
  • ½ Onion, chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil, EVOO
  • 2-4 Fresh basil leaves
  • Pinch Salt
  • Butter
  • 1 L Fresh tomato passata, 4 cups
  • 1 Egg for the lasagna filling
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • First, follow my recipe: How to make crepes to make your deliciously light crepes which will form the layers of your lasagne recipe.
  • Dice up 3 large balls of mozzarella into cubes and put them to the side.
  • Put the saucepan on a medium heat and once it warms, add 3 spoons of extra virgin olive oil and the chopped onion. Let this simmer for a few minutes, then add the tomato passata.
  • Stir the sauce using a wooden spoon and leave to cook for approx. half and hour.
  • Place a medium size fry pan on medium heat and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Once this has begun to warm up, add in the mincemeat, breaking it down with a fork.
  • Sprinkle a few pinches of salt into the mincemeat and keep breaking it up. Let this cook for a few minutes or until brown.
  • Line the baking tray with butter using a single cube to spread it all over. This will prevent the lasagna from sticking to the tray when it is cooking.
  • In a separate bowl, crack an egg and whisk well. Then, add 2 x pinches of salt and 50ml of milk. Mix once again.
  • Once the sauce and mince have each started to cool, you can commence assembling the lasagna.
  • Before you start assembling the lasagna, pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees celcius.
  • How to Assemble the Lasagna Recipe:
  • Line the bottom of the baking tray carefully with your freshly made crepes.
  • Then, line the sides of the tray with another set of crepes, making half cover the side of the tray, and the other half should then fold over the edge.
  • Add as many crepes as you need to ensure there are no spaces uncovered!
  • Sprinkle lots of cubes of mozzarella onto the bottom of the baking tray, then add a few large spoonful’s of tomato sauce.
  • Using a spoon, add some mincemeat to this layer, sporadically – it doesn’t have to be too much.
  • Next, add a generous amount of grated parmigiano cheese …and keep adding!
  • Dip a crepe into your egg milk mix that was prepared earlier and then let the excess drain off.
  • Place this crepe on top of the first layer, then dip another crepe into the mix and use it to create your first layer.
  • Repeat steps 3-7 until all your crepes are finished (or your lasagna is so tall it is the height of the tray!)
  • On every second layer, add a few small cubes of butter as this will help to keep the ingredients moist once the lasagna recipe is cooking in the oven, and it also adds extra flavour!
  • Once you have reached the final layer, fold the crepes that were over the edge, back on top of the lasagna, covering it up nice and tightly.
  • Using a large spoon, drizzle extra tomato sauce on top and spread it thinly – don’t pour it on as it will make the lasagna soft and wet – and add a few extra pieces of mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Make up to 6 slits through the lasagna using a sharp knife and pour a small amount of the egg/milk mix into each one. This helps the lasagna recipe to cook through really well.
  • Cook the lasagna in the oven at 180 degrees celcius for approx. 1hr.
  • E ora si mangia, Vincenzo’s Plate….Enjoy!

Video

Author: Vincenzo’s Plate

E ora si mangia, Vincenzo’s Plate… Enjoy!

How to serve Lasagna (Timballo Teramano)

Let it rest for just a minute or two, and then cut up as many slices as you like to share with family, friends, and by now, your own HUNGRY belly!

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Recipe Rating




20 responses

  1. Maarten
    December 20, 2022

    So wheres the recipe for the crepes??!

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      April 20, 2023

      Here is the link to the crepe recipe, https://www.vincenzosplate.com/how-to-make-crepes/ do let me know how it all goes! Happy cooking.

      Reply
      1. Sandra Hammer
        November 21, 2024

        Hi! Could I assemble this the night before I bake it?

        Reply
        1. Vincenzo’s Plate
          November 21, 2024

          Ciao Sandra! Yes, you can absolutely assemble this lasagna the night before baking it! 😊

          Assemble the lasagna as instructed, but don’t add the final tomato sauce layer or the mozzarella on top yet—save that for just before baking.
          Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
          When you’re ready to bake, let the lasagna sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off.
          Add the final tomato sauce layer and mozzarella just before placing it in the oven.

          I hope this is helpful! Please let me know how it turns out!

          Reply
  2. Jona
    February 12, 2024

    5 stars
    Tried this yesterday, it was really great! Took some time to get the crepes perfect, but then it was easy. Will definitely make it again!

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      February 14, 2024

      Sounds like a fantastic treat! Perfecting those crepes can be a bit tricky, but it sounds like you nailed it! So glad you enjoyed it, and looking forward to you making it again!

      Reply
  3. Tonitoni nordin
    November 1, 2024

    5 stars
    just like my Nona made thank you

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 1, 2024

      Hello my friend! I’m so glad it brought back memories of your nonna’s cooking! There’s nothing like a lasagna made with love. ❤️

      Reply
  4. Robin Moeller
    April 29, 2025

    I can’t seem to get more than 8 crepes from the 3 egg recipe. Can I quadruple the recipe so that I don’t have to keep making the batter while cooking the crepes?

    In Maryland we had a restaurant called Pasta Plus that served Timballo. I was very sad when they closed (the brothers were in their late 70s)

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      April 29, 2025

      Ciao Robin! Yes, the crepe recipe usually makes about 6 crepes. You can definitely double or quadruple the recipe, just mix it well so it stays smooth! When my Nonna makes Timballo, we use around 15 eggs. Sad to hear about Pasta Plus… Timballo is such a special dish. Anyway, I hope you enjoy making Timballo and let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  5. Robert
    June 5, 2025

    5 stars
    Unglaublich köstlich!

    Alle haben ein bisschen mehr gegessen, als Hunger da war… Weil es extrem schwer ist, aufzuhören.
    Herzlichen Dank an Nonna

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      June 6, 2025

      Grazie mille Robert! 😊
      Das freut mich riesig! Nonna would be so proud.
      Danke, dass du das Rezept ausprobiert hast!

      Reply
  6. Julie
    August 7, 2025

    5 stars
    just saw this recipe on Tucci in Italy show–fascinating! So what’s Fresh tomato passata ? Is that the sauteed meat and tomato sauce?

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      August 7, 2025

      Ciao Julie! Fresh tomato passata is simply pureed, uncooked tomatoes that have been strained to remove the skins and seeds. It’s not a cooked meat sauce, but more like a smooth tomato base — perfect for pasta, pizza, or simmering into a richer sauce.
      Here’s the link to my passata recipe so you can try it yourself: https://www.vincenzosplate.com/tomato-passata/

      Reply
  7. Rosi DiGaetano
    October 5, 2025

    I am making this for thanksgiving and was wondering if I can make it ahead of time and then freeze it, thaw it out and bake it on the day of thanksgiving .

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      October 8, 2025

      Ciao Rosi! Yes, you can definitely freeze it! It won’t be quite as perfect as when it’s freshly made, but it will still turn out great. My recommendation is to prepare a little extra basil sauce and pour it on top of the timballo when serving. It adds wonderful flavor and makes the dish look even more delicious on the plate. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!

      Reply
  8. Wes Skitch
    November 22, 2025

    I made your lasagna using no cheese except parm and used bechamel according to your previous video. No i see this one with crepes and mozz cheese ? I understand lasagna can be made multiple ways. Why no cheese in one and mozz in the other?

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      November 24, 2025

      Ciao Wes! The lasagna you see in Nonna Igea’s recipe is a completely different regional specialty from Abruzzo, called Timballo Teramano. Instead of pasta sheets, we use thin crepes, and instead of béchamel, we use mozzarella and eggs. This recipe has been in our family for many years.

      Both types are authentic. They just come from different traditions, with different ingredients and different stories behind them.

      If you enjoyed the first one, I think you will love trying this Abruzzese version too. They are both delicious in their own unique way.
      Let me know if you try it. I would love to hear how it turns out!

      Reply
  9. Mallory
    April 6, 2026

    5 stars
    this was the recipe my youngest requested for Easter supper. It was wonderful. Thank you for posting a wonderful recipe.

    Reply
    1. Vincenzo’s Plate
      April 6, 2026

      Ciao Mallory! Ahhh this makes me so happy to read! 😍
      Even more special that your youngest requested it for Easter… that’s the biggest compliment of all!
      Grazie mille for trusting the recipe and bringing it to your table.
      Let me know if there were any leftovers… or did it disappear straight away? 😄

      Reply

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