Few dishes capture the essence of hearty home-cooked comfort food quite like Beef Lasagna. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel or ricotta filling, tender pasta sheets, and bubbling golden cheese, this Italian classic is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy weeknight meal, Beef Lasagna is a recipe worth mastering.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a perfect lasagna: the full ingredient list, necessary kitchen tools, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, serving ideas, variations, nutritional breakdown, and answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe for a delicious homemade lasagna that rivals any restaurant version.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Lasagna
- Classic Italian flavor – Rich, savory beef layered with tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike devour this dish.
- Great for meal prep – Stores well in the fridge and freezer.
- Perfect for gatherings – Serves a crowd and looks impressive on the table.
- Customizable – You can adapt it with veggies, different cheeses, or even make it gluten-free.
Ingredients for Beef Lasagna
Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make a traditional Beef Lasagna:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup beef broth or red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
the Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
the Lasagna Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- Extra 1 cup mozzarella cheese for topping
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools Needed
To prepare this Beef Lasagna, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Foil for baking cover
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- Add oregano, basil, thyme, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in beef broth or wine, then bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let sauce cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3: Make the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place 3–4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Spoon a layer of meat sauce over the ricotta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles, sauce, and cheese on top.
5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Beef Lasagna
- Don’t skip the resting time – This ensures the lasagna holds its shape when sliced.
- Use quality cheese – Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better than pre-shredded.
- Make ahead – Assemble lasagna the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Freeze for later – Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen (add 20 minutes).
- Balance acidity – A pinch of sugar mellows out tomato sauce.
- Add vegetables – Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be layered in for extra nutrition.
Variations of Beef Lasagna
- Cheesy White Lasagna – Use béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce.
- Spicy Lasagna – Add hot Italian sausage with the beef.
- Vegetable Lasagna – Swap beef for roasted vegetables.
- Low-Carb Lasagna – Use zucchini or eggplant slices instead of pasta noodles.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna – Replace with gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1/12 of dish)
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
(Values may vary depending on brands and substitutions.)
FAQs about Beef Lasagna
Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, just ensure you add enough sauce to soften them during baking.
Q: Can I substitute ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese works as a lighter option.
Q: How long does lasagna last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make lasagna without beef?
Absolutely — you can use turkey, chicken, or go vegetarian.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.
- Serve with a light Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.
- Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Homemade Beef Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting dish that brings people together. With its rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly baked pasta, it’s no wonder this recipe has remained a timeless classic. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this Beef Lasagna recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake a pan of lasagna that will have everyone asking for seconds!
