Classic Beef Lasagna

Introduction

Beef Lasagna is one of the most iconic Italian-inspired comfort foods loved around the world. With layers of tender pasta sheets, rich and savory beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s a dish that brings both comfort and indulgence to the table. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures—soft pasta, hearty meat, and luscious cheese—that makes it hard to resist.

This homemade lasagna recipe is hearty enough for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion when you want to impress your guests. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it a convenient dish to prepare ahead of time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love beef lasagna because it’s:

• Comforting and indulgent – it feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Family-friendly – kids and adults alike love it.
• Perfect for gatherings – it feeds a crowd with ease.
• Great for leftovers – tastes even better the next day.
• Versatile – you can add veggies, change up cheeses, or make it spicy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A classic Italian-American favorite that never goes out of style.
• Combines savory beef, tomato sauce, and melty cheese in every bite.
• Meal-prep friendly—make it ahead and freeze for busy nights.
• Customizable for every palate, from classic to gourmet variations.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories: ~520 per serving

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth or red wine (optional, for richness)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (to bind)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Layers:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook noodles (if not using no-boil).
2. Brown beef, onion, and garlic. Add tomatoes, paste, seasonings, and simmer.
3. Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley for the cheese filling.
4. Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
5. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese.
6. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
• Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  (Skip if using no-boil noodles.)

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
• Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth/wine, and seasonings.
• Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
• Mix until creamy and well-blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce.
• Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
• Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve with garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
• Pair with red wine such as Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Let lasagna rest before slicing—this prevents it from falling apart.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• For deeper flavor, make the sauce a day ahead.
• If using no-boil noodles, add extra sauce to keep them tender.

Variations

1. Lasagna Bolognese – Use a traditional slow-simmered meat ragù.
2. Vegetable Lasagna – Add layers of spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
3. Three-Cheese Lasagna – Use ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone.
4. Spicy Lasagna – Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze before or after baking.
• Reheating: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for noodles)
• Large skillet or saucepan (for sauce)
• Mixing bowl (for cheese filling)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Beef Lasagna is a timeless dish that combines pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese into one irresistible casserole. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its make-ahead convenience and freezer-friendly nature, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy households.

Once you master this lasagna, it will become a staple in your kitchen—because few dishes can beat the comfort and satisfaction of a classic beef lasagna.

Print Recipe

Classic Beef Lasagna

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 520 per serving

Description

Beef Lasagna is one of the most iconic Italian-inspired comfort foods loved around the world. With layers of tender pasta sheets, rich and savory beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s a dish that brings both comfort and indulgence to the table.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth or red wine (optional, for richness)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz (425 g)
• 1 egg (to bind)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Layers:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Skip if using no-boil noodles.)
2. Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth/wine, and seasonings.Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Prepare Cheese Mixture : In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley.Mix until creamy and well-blended.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish.Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce.Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and mozzarella.
5. Step 5: Bake : Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Keywords: Beef Lasagna