Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna

If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, look no further. This Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna is exactly what you need tonight.

It is hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. It is the perfect meal for a cold winter evening. Your family will ask for seconds immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna

This is the ultimate comfort food for your dinner table. It feeds a large crowd without much effort. You get protein, veggies, and pasta in every single bite. It is a reliable family favorite for busy weeks.

The spinach adds a nice boost of nutrients. It blends perfectly with the creamy ricotta and savory beef. This recipe is ready in 90 minutes from start to finish. You can even prep it ahead of time.

Kids love the extra melted cheese on top. Adults love the rich, deep flavor of the meat sauce. It is a balanced meal that everyone can agree on. You will find yourself making this on repeat.

How This Comes Together

You just brown the meat and mix the cheese. Layering the ingredients is the fun part. You don’t need any fancy kitchen skills here. It comes together in a simple baking dish. This process is very beginner-friendly and stress-free.

What You’ll Need

Most of these items are likely in your pantry already. Use high-quality marinara for the best results.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onions.
3. Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
4. Stir in garlic and marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, dried spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
7. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce.
8. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
9. Add 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella.
10. Repeat these layers twice more.
11. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
13. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve this lasagna while it is hot and bubbly. The layers look beautiful when sliced carefully. Pair it with warm garlic bread to soak up the sauce. A crisp green salad balances the rich cheese perfectly. It is a complete meal for casual hosting or family night.

Leftovers & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to four days. This lasagna actually tastes better the next day. You can also freeze individual slices for easy lunches. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. Always cover it while reheating to keep it moist.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Squeeze the spinach very dry to avoid a watery lasagna.
• Do not skip the 15-minute rest time after baking.
• Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture possible.
• Freshly shredded mozzarella melts much better than bagged cheese.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick.
• Lightly grease your foil so the cheese doesn’t stick.
• Use no-boil noodles to save extra time on busy nights.
• Check the noodles with a fork to ensure they are tender.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for more spice.
• Use cottage cheese if you prefer it over ricotta.
• Add sautéed mushrooms for an extra earthy flavor.
• Try a white Alfredo sauce for a creamy variation.
• Make it vegetarian by using extra veggies instead of beef.

Quick Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day early. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready. You may need to add five minutes to the bake time.

Can I use fresh spinach?

Yes, but you must sauté it first. Squeeze out all the moisture before adding to cheese. Raw spinach will release too much water during baking.

How do I prevent the top from burning?

Keep the foil on for the first 45 minutes. Only uncover it for the final browning stage. This keeps the cheese perfectly melted and soft.

I hope your family loves this as much as mine does. It is pure comfort in a pan! Give it a try this week.

— Ethan

Cheesy Beef and Spinach Lasagna

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion , diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large eg g
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 lasagna noodle s
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onions until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in garlic and marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, dried spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until uniform.
5. Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce.
7. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
8. Repeat layers twice (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella).
9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.