When you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and soul-soothing, this Classic Beef Lasagna delivers in every delicious layer. Imagine tender pasta sheets stacked with rich beef ragu, creamy ricotta, and golden, bubbling mozzarella—each bite a warm hug on a plate.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive gathering, or just a weeknight that needs a little extra love, this lasagna brings people together. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and even better the next day.
Table of Contents
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Ingredients
| Meat Sauce | |
|---|---|
| Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Medium onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 1 can (6 oz) |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Cheese Filling | |
|---|---|
| Ricotta cheese | 1 container (15 oz) |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Assembly | |
|---|---|
| Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled) | 12 |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 3 cups (divided) |
| Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish) | As desired |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until soft (3–4 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, break it up, and cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer noodles (3–4 per layer), then spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, 1 cup meat sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Repeat layers twice more.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella.
5. Bake
- Cover with greased foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning—watch closely.
6. Rest & Serve
- Let lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.