A timeless Italian-American classic, this beef lasagna recipe promises layers of rich, savory meat sauce, a creamy and flavorful ricotta cheese filling, and perfectly melted mozzarella cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a satisfying Sunday supper.
This isn’t just any lasagna recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of comforting home cooking. While there are many variations, the classic beef lasagna holds a special place in the culinary world for its robust flavors and satisfying textures. Each layer is a discovery, from the savory depth of the meat sauce to the creamy richness of the cheese filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic beef lasagna is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. The homemade meat sauce, simmered to perfection, develops a deep and complex flavor that you just can’t get from a jar. The creamy ricotta filling, enhanced with Parmesan and a hint of seasoning, provides the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the sauce. And let’s not forget the generous layers of melted mozzarella that create that irresistible cheesy pull.
Ingredients
For the Hearty Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Cheese Filling & Pasta:
- 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 12 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 12 lasagna noodles.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned. Be sure to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling and Pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Assemble and Bake the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
- Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This is a crucial step as it helps the lasagna set, making it much easier to cut into perfect slices.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Lasagna
- For an even richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce a day or two in advance.
- If you’re a fan of extra cheesy lasagna, feel free to add more mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Storage and Reheating
This classic beef lasagna is just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Classic Beef Lasagna
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large pot