This Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne is a lighter and creamier take on the classic Italian dish. Made with layers of rich meat sauce, pasta, and a smooth crème fraîche topping, it’s perfect for a comforting family meal or a casual dinner with friends.
What is Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne?
This lasagne replaces the traditional béchamel sauce with crème fraîche, offering a tangy and creamy layer that’s quicker and easier to prepare. It’s layered with pasta, a robust meat sauce, and plenty of cheese for a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: The crème fraîche layer saves time compared to making a béchamel sauce.
- Rich and creamy: Crème fraîche adds a tangy and luscious flavor.
- Customizable: Easily add vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Family-friendly: A comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne
- Lasagne sheets: 250g (fresh or dried).
- Ground beef or pork: 500g.
- Crème fraîche: 300ml.
- Tomato passata: 500ml.
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Fresh basil: A handful, roughly chopped.
- Parmesan cheese: 50g, grated.
- Mozzarella: 200g, sliced.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet for the meat sauce.
- The baking dish for assembling the lasagne.
- Wooden spoon for stirring.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne
Step 1: Prepare the meat sauce
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef or pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato passata, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add the fresh basil and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the crème fraîche topping
In a bowl, mix the crème fraîche with a pinch of salt and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the lasagne
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Cover with a layer of lasagne sheets, followed by more meat sauce, a few slices of mozzarella, and a dollop of crème fraîche. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of crème fraîche and mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Bake the lasagne
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 5: Rest and serve
Let the lasagne rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

What to Serve With Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne
- Garlic bread: A classic pairing to soak up the sauce.
- Green salad: Adds a refreshing contrast to the richness.
- Roasted vegetables: A healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Red wine: Complements the robust flavors of the lasagne.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Creme Fraiche Lasagne
- Use fresh lasagne sheets: They cook faster and ensure a tender texture.
- Don’t skip resting: Letting the lasagne rest helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- Season well: Crème fraîche has a subtle flavor, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Add vegetables: Include spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms in the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
- Customize the cheese: Mix in cheddar or Gruyere for a unique twist.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagne in advance and bake when ready to serve.
What are Variations of Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne?
- Vegetarian lasagne: Use lentils or a mix of roasted vegetables instead of meat.
- Seafood lasagne: Swap ground meat for shrimp and white fish, and use a tomato and white wine sauce.
- Spicy lasagne: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagne sheets.
- Dairy-free version: Replace crème fraîche and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne?
- In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Freeze cooked lasagne in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne?
- In the oven: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
- In the microwave: Heat individual portions in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 25g
FAQs
Can I use sour cream instead of crème fraîche in lasagne?
Yes, sour cream can be used as a substitute for crème fraîche. However, it has a tangier flavor and a thinner consistency, so you may want to mix it with a bit of heavy cream for a similar texture.
Can I make Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by replacing the meat sauce with a lentil-based or roasted vegetable sauce. Ensure you season well for a rich and flavorful filling.
How do I keep lasagne from becoming watery?
To prevent watery lasagne, make sure the meat sauce is simmered until thickened, and drain any excess liquid from the crème fraîche mixture before assembling.
Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time when you’re ready to cook.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne is a delicious twist on a classic dish, combining creamy layers with bold, hearty flavors.
Try it today and enjoy a lighter, tangy version of this beloved comfort food!
More Delicious Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Raspberry Coulis
- Jamie Oliver Tuna Quiche
- Jamie Oliver Fig Tart
- Jamie Oliver Devilled Kidneys
- Jamie Oliver Eggnog
- Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne
- Jamie Oliver Minty Courgette Tart
- Jamie Oliver Hash Brown
Jamie Oliver Creme Fraiche Lasagne Recipe
This lasagne replaces the traditional béchamel sauce with crème fraîche, offering a tangy and creamy layer that’s quicker and easier to prepare. It’s layered with pasta, a robust meat sauce, and plenty of cheese for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Lasagne sheets: 250g (fresh or dried).
- Ground beef or pork: 500g.
- Crème fraîche: 300ml.
- Tomato passata: 500ml.
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Fresh basil: A handful, roughly chopped.
- Parmesan cheese: 50g, grated.
- Mozzarella: 200g, sliced.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the meat sauce
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef or pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato passata, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add the fresh basil and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the crème fraîche topping
In a bowl, mix the crème fraîche with a pinch of salt and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the lasagne
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Cover with a layer of lasagne sheets, followed by more meat sauce, a few slices of mozzarella, and a dollop of crème fraîche. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of crème fraîche and mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Bake the lasagne
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 5: Rest and serve
Let the lasagne rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides.