Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

 

Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

When it comes to hearty, soul-satisfying meals, nothing beats a Classic Beef Lasagna. Layer upon layer of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel (or ricotta, depending on tradition), perfectly cooked pasta, and bubbling melted cheese — it’s the kind of dish that brings families together and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or to feed a hungry crowd, beef lasagna is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. And while it may look impressive, this recipe breaks it down into simple steps that deliver delicious results every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Lasagna

• 🍝 Rich, meaty flavor with layers of seasoned ground beef and tomato sauce

• 🧀 Creamy cheese filling that melts perfectly into every layer

• 🍅 Classic tomato and herb sauce for that authentic Italian taste

• 🕒 Make-ahead and freezer-friendly, perfect for meal prepping or entertaining

• ❤️ Loved by all ages, from picky eaters to pasta lovers

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1/4 cup red wine or beef broth (optional, for depth)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)

• 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Extra Parmesan for topping

• Olive oil (for sautéing and greasing the baking dish)

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How to Make Classic Beef Lasagna

1. Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and wine or broth. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes until the sauce is thick and flavorful.

2. Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If not using no-boil noodles, cook according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer in the following order:

1. A thin layer of meat sauce

2. A layer of noodles

3. Half of the ricotta mixture

4. A layer of meat sauce

5. A generous sprinkle of mozzarella

Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, and a heavy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing — this helps the layers hold together.

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Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Use quality ingredients – Fresh herbs, real cheese, and good tomatoes make a difference.

• Don’t skip the rest time – It allows the lasagna to firm up and slice beautifully.

• Make it ahead – Assemble the day before and refrigerate until baking time.

• Freeze leftovers – Lasagna freezes well and reheats beautifully for future meals.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your Classic Beef Lasagna with:

• A crisp green salad with Italian dressing

• Garlic bread or focaccia

• A glass of red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon

• Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables on the side

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Final Thoughts

Few dishes deliver the same level of comfort and satisfaction as Classic Beef Lasagna. It’s warm, cheesy, meaty, and full of familiar, nostalgic flavors that make everyone feel right at home. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit — and maybe even start a new tradition around your dinner table.

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Ready to dive into comfort food heaven? Roll up your sleeves and bake a pan of this timeless classic tonight. It’s love at first bite.