Beef Lasagna
Layers of rich beef sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender pasta sheets baked to golden perfection. A hearty, classic Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Cheese Filling:
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried parsley
Other Layers:
9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Cook Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in marinara, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Prepare Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.
Cook Noodles (if needed):
If using regular lasagna noodles, cook according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Assemble Lasagna:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest & Serve:
Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it set.
Tip: Make the meat sauce a day ahead for deeper flavor, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for mild heat.
Yield: 8–10 servings
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes