Quick Description:
A hearty and comforting dish, this Classic Beef Lasagna layers tender pasta, savory beef sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week, it combines rich flavors with satisfying textures.
Servings & Timing:
- Servings: 8–10
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including prep time and baking)
Ingredients List:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Other:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- Extra shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
-
Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
-
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce on top of the cheese layer.
- Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles and top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
-
Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Additional Notes:
- For a more indulgent version, add extra layers of mozzarella cheese.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version.
Dietary Info:
- Keto: Not suitable (contains pasta)
- High-Protein: Yes, especially with lean ground beef and ricotta.
Flavor Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
- Use fresh basil and parsley for extra aromatic flavor.
- Swap the marinara for a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer from-scratch flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for a lighter option.
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can work as a leaner alternative.
- Pasta: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
Storage & Make-Ahead:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make-Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
