Lasagna Recipe (Filipino Style): A Creamy, Cheesy, Comforting Classic with a Pinoy Twist

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the comfort of Italian cuisine with a hearty Filipino flair, this Filipino Style Lasagna is exactly what you need. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this dish is a staple in many Filipino celebrations—from Christmas to birthdays to intimate Sunday family lunches. Combining the lusciousness of Italian lasagna with creamy béchamel, sweet-savory tomato meat sauce, and a uniquely Pinoy twist using Eden cheese and Nestle All Purpose Cream, this version will quickly become your go-to baked pasta dish.

Whether you’re a beginner cook looking to impress or an experienced home chef wanting to elevate your lasagna game, this recipe will deliver every time.

Who is this Recipe For?

This lasagna is perfect for:

• Families looking for a kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal.

• Busy cooks prepping meals for the week.

• Potluck heroes aiming to bring the most raved-about dish.

• Anyone who enjoys the creamy, cheesy comfort of Filipino-style pasta.

What makes this version different? Unlike the traditional Italian lasagna that leans on ricotta and mozzarella, the Filipino version is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy. It includes ingredients familiar to local palates, such as spiced ham, Eden processed cheese, and a red sauce enriched with Nestle cream.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this lasagna a success, here’s what you’ll need:

• Large saucepan or skillet

• Medium saucepan (for béchamel/white sauce)

• Whisk

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

• 13×9-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Strainer or sieve (optional for smoother béchamel)

• Aluminum foil

• Oven

Ingredients

Lasagna:

• 1 ½ kilos lasagna sheets

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups grated Eden cheese (processed cheese)

For the Red Sauce:

• ½ kilo lean ground beef

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 250ml Nestle All Purpose Cream (chilled)

• ½ cup chopped onions

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• ½ cup water

• 2 tbsp canola oil

• 2 tbsp white sugar

• 3 tbsp dried parsley

• 3 tbsp dried basil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground pepper

• Spiced ham, cubed

For the White Sauce (Béchamel):

• ½ stick butter

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 ½ cups hot fresh milk

• 75g finely grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ tsp salt

• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pasta

Soak lasagna sheets in water for 18 minutes. This softens them and prevents overcooking in the oven.

2. Make the Red Sauce

In a large pan, heat oil over medium. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant, around 2 minutes.

Add ground beef and cook until browned (around 10 minutes). Important tip: Drain the excess oil to prevent your sauce from becoming greasy.

Return beef to the pan, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly. Season with parsley, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.

Simmer for 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Add chilled Nestle cream, mix well, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Set aside.

3. Make the White Sauce (Béchamel)

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Turn off the heat, then slowly pour in the hot milk while whisking constantly until smooth. Turn heat back on and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes). The sauce should coat the back of your spoon.

Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg (optional). Remove from heat. If sauce becomes too thick as it cools, stir in a little water or milk.

Pro Tip: Strain the sauce if it forms lumps. Aim for a spreadable but not runny consistency.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a 13×9-inch baking dish:

• Spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom.

• Layer lasagna sheets.

• Spread red meat sauce and sprinkle spiced ham.

• Add a layer of white sauce and grated Eden cheese.

Repeat the layers until you’ve formed four total layers. Top with remaining white sauce and finish with Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place dish on a foil-lined tray to catch any drips. Cover and bake for 30 minutes until bubbling.

Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes and Shortcuts

• Processed Cheese Tip: Eden cheese gives a creamy melt and slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory tomato sauce beautifully.

• Chilling the Cream: Chilled cream helps stabilize the red sauce when added to hot ingredients.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.

• No Spiced Ham? Substitute with regular ham, bacon bits, or even longganisa for a more Filipino flavor.

• Add Veggies: Sneak in spinach, carrots, or mushrooms between layers for added nutrition.

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in microwave or oven until hot.

• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

• Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick meals throughout the week.

Perfect Pairings

• Beverage: Serve with a glass of chilled calamansi juice or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

• Side Dish: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or buttered corn and carrots balance the richness.

• Dessert: Keep it classic with leche flan or halo-halo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Yes, but make sure your sauces are slightly more liquid so the pasta cooks properly while baking.

Q: Is the Nestle All Purpose Cream essential?
A: It gives the red sauce its signature creaminess. You can substitute with heavy cream or a blend of evaporated milk and butter if needed.

Q: Can I use mozzarella instead of Eden cheese?
A: Absolutely. Mozzarella will provide more stretch, but Eden offers a signature Filipino taste and creamy texture.

Q: How can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
A: Omit the beef and ham. Substitute with mushrooms, lentils, or tofu. The sauces can remain the same for flavor.

Q: Why is my white sauce lumpy?
A: This happens when milk is added too quickly or the heat is too high. Use a whisk and strain if needed to smooth it out.

Final Thoughts 

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm tray of Filipino-style lasagna—the familiar flavors, creamy layers, and nostalgic appeal make it more than just a pasta dish. It’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and most importantly, a symbol of Filipino warmth and togetherness.

Try this recipe for your next celebration or Sunday meal, and you’ll see how quickly it becomes a family favorite.