The Best Homemade Beef Lasagna Recipe That Everyone Loves

Layers of rich, meaty goodness define this easy beef lasagna recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Hearty pasta sheets cradle a robust ground beef mixture bursting with flavor.

Melted cheese weaves through each delectable layer, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

The sauce simmers with aromatic herbs and spices, infusing every bite with warmth.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will absolutely adore this straightforward yet impressive meal.

Grab a fork and prepare to savor every mouthwatering slice of pure culinary bliss.

Beef Lasagna – Layers of Comfort and Rich Flavor

• Craft Comfort Layers: Build a delicious lasagna with simple ingredients that create rich, hearty flavors everyone will love.
• Speed Up Dinner Magic: Prepare this classic dish quickly with minimal prep work, perfect for busy weeknight meals that satisfy hungry families.
• Master One-Pan Wonder: Combine all ingredients in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making cooking stress-free for home chefs of any skill level.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Enjoy a universally loved recipe that works brilliantly for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredient Essentials for Classic Beef Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the lasagna.

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic wide pasta sheets that create the layered structure of the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that adds smooth texture and mild flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that enhance melting, richness, and provide a golden topping.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Dried Basil: Herbs and spices that boost the overall taste profile of the lasagna.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat and sauce flavors.

• Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the ricotta cheese mixture together.

Lasagna Baking Instructions for Even, Gooey Slices

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Heat your oven to 375°F.

Get your baking dish ready by lightly spraying or greasing it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil lasagna noodles in salted water following package directions.

Drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Savory Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat.

Drain excess fat carefully.

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic powder
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Layer Lasagna Masterpiece

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom
• Add a layer of cooked noodles
• Spread ricotta cheese mixture
• Pour more meat sauce

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with a meat sauce layer on top.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the final layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

This helps layers set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Tips for Beef Lasagna with Perfect Layers

• Remove as much fat as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy lasagna and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Create even, consistent layers for balanced flavor in every bite, making sure each section has equal amounts of sauce, noodles, and cheese.
• Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for richer taste and better melting properties that enhance overall texture.
• Allow lasagna to sit for 10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.
• Prepare an extra lasagna and freeze unbaked for a convenient make-ahead meal that can be baked directly from frozen with minimal preparation.

Lasagna Variations for a New Take on Tradition

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable marinara sauce and layer with zucchini, spinach, and roasted eggplant for extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Substitute traditional wheat lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or use thinly sliced zucchini as noodle replacement. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Lasagna: Replace noodles with thin sliced zucchini or eggplant layers. Use full-fat ricotta, increase meat portion, and add extra cheese to boost fat content. Choose low-carb marinara or make homemade sauce without added sugars.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Lasagna: Swap ground beef with ground lamb.

Ways to Serve Beef Lasagna at Family Gatherings

• Fresh Side Salad: Complement the rich lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, adding freshness and balance to the hearty meal.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the lasagna to soak up extra sauce and provide a delicious crunchy texture.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the savory beef and tomato flavors of the dish.
• Vegetable Medley: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus as a colorful and nutritious side dish to round out the meal.

Storage Advice for Beef Lasagna Slices

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions or entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this lasagna recipe. Just make sure to season it well to maintain flavor.

• How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain the ground beef thoroughly and avoid using watery marinara sauce. Also, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and absorb excess liquid.

• What if I don't have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both will provide a similar creamy texture and help bind the layers together.

• Is it possible to make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds with this classic Beef Lasagna, layering rich marinara, tender pasta, and melted cheese into a comforting Italian masterpiece. Hearty flavors and creamy textures invite you to savor each delicious bite of this timeless family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean)
• 1 large egg

Dairy:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Base and Seasoning:

• 12 sheets lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped, optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking dish.
2. Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles and removing excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the beef. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
5. Whisk ricotta cheese with egg and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
6. Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading a thin coating of meat sauce across the bottom.
7. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom surface.
8. Spread a generous portion of ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
9. Repeat layering process: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, continuing until ingredients are used.
10. Finish the top layer with meat sauce and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously.
11. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
12. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and slightly crispy.
13. Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set and enhance flavor integration before serving.

Notes

• Prevent dry noodles by slightly undercooking them, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven and absorb moisture from the sauce.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor depth, chopping them finely and sprinkling on top before serving.
• For a gluten-free version, replace traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta sheets, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Control portion sizes and reduce calories by using lean ground beef, part-skim ricotta, and reducing cheese quantity without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 466 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg