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Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 97 reviews

Classic Beef Lasagna is a hearty Italian-American casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef sauce, creamy ricotta cheese blend, tender lasagna noodles, and melted mozzarella. This comforting baked dish combines a rich tomato sauce simmered with herbs and garlic with layers of cheese and pasta, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 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

Pasta

  • 12 lasagna noodles

Cheese Mixture & Topping

  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your lasagna.
  2. Cook the ground beef and onions: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, releasing its aroma to enhance the sauce.
  4. Prepare the meat sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
  5. Cook the lasagna noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well to prevent sogginess in the final dish.
  6. Mix ricotta cheese blend: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and grated Parmesan cheese to create a smooth, creamy filling.
  7. Assemble the first layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and provide base flavor.
  8. Add noodles: Arrange 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce layer, side by side.
  9. Add ricotta mixture: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles for a creamy layer.
  10. Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture to add gooey texture and flavor.
  11. Add remaining meat sauce: Spoon about one-third of the remaining meat sauce on top of the mozzarella layer.
  12. Repeat layers: Add another layer of noodles, then spread the remaining ricotta mixture, followed by half of the remaining mozzarella cheese and half of the remaining meat sauce for balanced layering.
  13. Final layer: Arrange the last layer of noodles, top with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese to complete the layering.
  14. Cover the dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the lasagna moist during baking.
  15. Bake covered: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and start melting the cheese.
  16. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  17. Rest the lasagna: Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Notes

  • Be sure to drain the browned beef to reduce excess fat in the sauce.
  • Cooking the noodles al dente prevents them from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set and makes serving neater.
  • Adding egg to the ricotta mixture helps bind the cheese, giving a firmer texture.
  • You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to save time on assembly day.

Keywords: beef lasagna, classic lasagna recipe, baked pasta, Italian casserole, ricotta cheese lasagna

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/classic-beef-lasagna-recipe/