Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne Recipe

Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne is a relaxed, rustic version of classic lasagne that skips the layering and instead brings everything together in one easy, flavour-packed dish. With tender pasta sheets, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and baked golden edges, it delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagne without the fuss.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne Worth Making

• No layering required – Simply tear, mix, and bake.
• Quicker than traditional lasagne – Cuts down prep time but keeps full flavour.
• Golden, crispy edges – Torn pasta creates delicious crunchy bits on top.
• Rich and cheesy – A comforting dish the whole family enjoys.
• Flexible and forgiving – Easy to customise with veggies or meat.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne?

Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne is a simplified, non-layered lasagne made by tearing fresh pasta sheets into a rich tomato sauce, adding cheese, and baking everything together. It delivers the same classic lasagne flavours with much less effort.

Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne Ingredients List

• 500g fresh lasagne sheets, torn into pieces
• 500g minced beef or pork (or a mix)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 × 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 small bunch fresh basil (optional)
• 100ml water or stock
• 150g mozzarella, torn
• 50g grated Parmesan
• Salt and black pepper

For the White Topping (Optional)

• 200g ricotta or crème fraîche
• 1 egg
• Pinch of nutmeg

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Gluten-Free Waffles
• Jamie Oliver Minestrone Soup
• Jamie Oliver Lemon Drizzle Cake

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne – Simple Steps

1. Cook the Base Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the onion, carrot, and garlic until soft. Add the minced meat and cook until browned.

2. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water or stock and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

3. Prepare the Pasta

Tear the fresh lasagne sheets into rustic pieces. Leave some large and some smaller for texture.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the torn pasta directly into the sauce. Add a little water if it looks too thick.

5. Add Cheese

Fold in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan for melty layers throughout.

6. Prepare the White Topping (Optional)

Mix ricotta (or crème fraîche) with an egg and nutmeg. Spoon dollops over the top.

7. Bake the Scruffy Lasagne

Transfer to an ovenproof dish. Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

8. Rest and Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help flavours settle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne

• Using dry pasta sheets without softening leads to undercooked pieces.
• Skipping extra liquid makes the pasta too dry.
• Overcrowding the dish prevents browning on top.
• Not seasoning the sauce results in a flat flavour.
• Adding cheese too early can cause burning.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne

• Garlic bread – Adds crunch and soaks up extra sauce.
• Green salad – Lightens the meal with freshness.
• Roasted vegetables – Complement the hearty pasta.
• Caprese salad – Enhances the Italian flavours.
• Steamed broccoli – Simple and healthy side.

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne Just Right

• Use fresh pasta for the best texture.
• Tear uneven pieces for crispy and soft bites.
• Bake uncovered to get a golden top.
• Add basil for freshness and aroma.
• Let it rest so the sauce thickens properly.

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne

• Use Italian sausage instead of plain mince.
• Add roasted garlic for sweetness.
• Mix in spinach for extra richness.
• Top with burrata for a creamy finish.

How to Adjust Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne for Kids

Keep seasoning mild, skip basil if they dislike herbs, and go lighter on black pepper.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne Gluten-Free?

Not naturally, but you can use gluten-free lasagne sheets and check all other ingredients for gluten-free certification.

Best Way to Store Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Best Ways to Reheat Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne Leftovers

• Oven: 160°C for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, covered.
• Air fryer: Crisp the top for 3–4 minutes after reheating.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~460
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Fibre: 4g

FAQs

Why is my Jamie Oliver Scruffy Lasagne too dry?

Scruffy lasagne becomes dry when the sauce doesn’t contain enough liquid to soften the torn pasta while baking. Adding a splash of stock or water and ensuring the sauce is slightly loose before baking helps keep the final dish moist and creamy.

Can I use dried lasagne sheets for Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne?

Yes, you can use dried lasagne sheets, but they must be broken into pieces and simmered in the sauce for a few minutes before baking. This prevents undercooked, hard pasta in the finished dish.

How do I make Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne more flavorful?

Browning the mince well, adding herbs like basil or oregano, and mixing in Parmesan or mozzarella boosts flavour. A splash of red wine in the sauce also deepens the overall taste.

Can I make Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Scruffy Lasagne is a fuss-free, flavour-packed version of classic lasagne that anyone can prepare. With torn pasta, rich sauce, and golden cheese, it’s a comforting dish perfect for weeknights and family gatherings.

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