Name: Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste; 1/2 cup water; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 lasagna noodles; 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Introduction

Classic beef lasagna is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella meld together to create an irresistible meal. This recipe walks you through the simple steps to make a delicious homemade lasagna that everyone will love.

A thick slice of lasagna with four visible layers of wavy pasta sheets in pale yellow, alternating with three layers of brown, chunky meat sauce mixed with melted white cheese. The top layer is covered with golden-brown melted cheese, dotted with red sauce and sprinkled green herbs. The lasagna is held by a woman's hand on a white plate with a subtle pattern, all placed on a white marbled surface. Small green herb bits are scattered on the plate around the lasagna. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 lasagna noodles
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 8: Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Step 9: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
Step 10: Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
Step 11: Spoon about one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
Step 12: Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, half of the remaining mozzarella, and half of the remaining meat sauce.
Step 13: Top with the final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 14: Cover the baking dish with foil.
Step 15: Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 16: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
Step 17: Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers.
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different taste.
Fresh basil can be used instead of dried basil for a brighter herb flavor.
Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and skip the pasta cooking step.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a thick square piece of lasagna showing four clear layers, alternating between golden-brown baked cheese on top, rich red-brown meat sauce with a slightly chunky texture, smooth creamy white cheese layer, and light golden lasagna pasta sheets. The top has a bubbly, browned cheese layer with some darker spots. The lasagna sits on a wooden surface against a soft blurred background, with tiny drops of sauce around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.

Do I have to boil the noodles before assembling?

If you use traditional lasagna noodles, it’s best to boil them first to ensure they cook fully. However, no-boil noodles can be used to save time and cook properly during baking.