Classic beef lasagna is a beloved and delicious comfort food. The combination of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta layers creates a dish with rich and satisfying flavors.
It’s a timeless dish that brings people together around the dinner table. Enjoy your homemade beef lasagna!
Lasagna Recipe
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables, using ground turkey or sausage, or adjusting the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Lasagna is even better the next day, so leftovers are always a treat!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound 450g ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 14 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cans 6 ounces each tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine optional
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles cooked al dente according to package instructions
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until softened.Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for at least 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling:In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Lasagna:In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the shredded mozzarella.Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Top with additional grated Parmesan.
- Bake:Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:Allow the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps set the layers for easier serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy:Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade beef lasagna!