There’s something truly comforting about a well-made lasagna, especially when it’s layered with rich, savory beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella. This classic beef lasagna is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. The best part? You can easily make it ahead of time, making it ideal for those busy days when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this recipe and make a lasagna that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz / 170g) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembling:
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked or pre-cooked, depending on the type)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by making the heart of this dish, the meat sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned, drain any excess fat to keep your sauce from being greasy.
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet, sautéing it with the beef until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The next step is to introduce the minced garlic. Let it cook for just a minute—enough to become fragrant but not burnt.
Now, it’s time to bring in the tomatoes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, then add the sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Right before you’re ready to assemble the lasagna, stir in the fresh parsley and basil for a burst of fresh flavor.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While your sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined. This mixture will add a creamy layer of richness to your lasagna.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente—firm but not too soft. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. If you’re using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step entirely.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom. This prevents the noodles from sticking and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Next, lay down your first layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a third of the ricotta cheese mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta, then add another layer of meat sauce on top. Repeat these layers—noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce—two more times. Finish with a final layer of noodles, a generous spread of the remaining meat sauce, and top it all off with a heaping layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra savory touch.
5. Bake the Lasagna
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil, but here’s a tip: spray one side of the foil with non-stick spray and place it spray-side down to prevent the cheese from sticking. Bake your lasagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt beautifully and develop a lightly browned, bubbly top. Once done, let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This short rest will help the layers set, making it easier to serve neat, gorgeous slices.
Serving and Storing Tips
Lasagna is best enjoyed warm, served with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. If you have leftovers, they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Lasagna also freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make an extra batch for a future meal.
This classic beef lasagna is truly a dish that brings people together, with its comforting layers and robust flavors. Enjoy the process of making it, and savor every bite with those you love.