Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe (Hearty & Homemade)

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Classic Beef Lasagna

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Italian-American
Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

For the meat sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the cheese layer

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For assembling

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked & drained
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the meat sauce
    Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
    Cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
    Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  2. Simmer the sauce
    Add marinara, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    Simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Prepare the cheese mixture
    In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Assemble the lasagna
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.
    Layer:
    • Lasagna noodles
    • Ricotta mixture
    • Meat sauce
    • Mozzarella
      Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
  5. Bake
    Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes.
    Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Rest & serve
    Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
    Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve.

Why This Lasagna Always Wins

  • 🧀 Perfectly cheesy without being greasy
  • 🍅 Rich, slow-simmered beef tomato sauce
  • 🍝 Holds its shape beautifully when sliced
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Feeds a crowd & reheats like a dream

Pro Tips

  • Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture
  • Let it rest before cutting — clean slices every time
  • Make it a day ahead for even deeper flavor
  • Freeze leftovers in individual portions

Easy Variations

  • Extra cheesy: Add provolone or fontina
  • Veg boost: Layer in sautéed mushrooms or spinach
  • Spicy: Add hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes
  • No-boil noodles: Add extra sauce to keep layers moist