If you are craving something warm and cheesy, look no further.
This Classic Beef Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food for your family.
It is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or Sunday.
Why You Will Make This Classic Beef Lasagna Again
Winter is the best time for a hearty, warming meal.
This recipe is reliable and delivers big flavor every time.
You can feed a whole crowd without any extra stress.
It is a family-friendly favorite that everyone actually loves eating.
The leftovers taste even better the very next day.
How This Comes Together
We start by making a rich and savory meat sauce.
Then, we mix the creamy ricotta filling until it is smooth.
Layering the ingredients is the most rewarding part of the process.
You will have a perfectly structured casserole in no time.
What You Will Need
These simple pantry staples create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside individually to prevent adhesion.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) is reached; drain excess lipids.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Integrate marinara sauce, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture; simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until homogenized.
- Layer 240ml of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking vessel.
- Place 4 noodles over the sauce, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering sequence twice more, concluding with a top layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Rest the dish for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the internal structure to set before portioning.
How To Serve It
Serve a big slice while it is still nice and hot.
It looks beautiful on the plate for casual hosting events.
Pair it with crispy garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch to the meal.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge.
It stays fresh and delicious for up to four days.
You can also freeze individual slices for a quick future meal.
Reheat it in the oven to keep the cheese bubbly.
Make It Even Better
- Do not skip the 15-minute resting time before you slice it.
- Avoid watery lasagna by draining the beef very well after browning.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
- Save time by using no-boil noodles if you are in a rush.
- Make this for a holiday potluck to impress all your friends.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best overall flavor.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Add spinach to the ricotta layer for extra nutrients.
- Swap the beef for Italian sausage to get a bolder taste.
- Use a mix of white and yellow cheddar for a different flavor.
- Try a gluten-free pasta to make it safe for everyone.
Quick Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready.
Why is my lasagna falling apart?
This usually happens if you do not let it rest. Resting allows the cheese and sauce to firm up properly.
Can I freeze unbaked lasagna?
Absolutely, it freezes very well for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you bake it.
I hope you love this cozy meal as much as I do. It is the perfect way to bring the family together. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
— Ethan
Classic Cheesy Beef Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside individually to prevent adhesion.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) is reached; drain excess lipids.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Integrate marinara sauce, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture; simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until homogenized.
- Layer 240ml of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking vessel.
- Place 4 noodles over the sauce, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering sequence twice more, concluding with a top layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Rest the dish for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the internal structure to set before portioning.
