Hearty Homemade Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe That Wows Everyone

When hunger strikes, this easy beef lasagna recipe promises a comforting meal that’ll make everyone around the table smile.

Layers of rich, seasoned ground beef mingle with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta sheets.

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor, and this classic dish delivers exactly that.

Homemade doesn’t mean complicated, especially when you can assemble this lasagna with minimal fuss.

Nonna would approve of how quickly you can create such a delicious masterpiece.

Hearty ingredients come together effortlessly, turning an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Dive in and savor every delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing favorite.

How To Store Beef Lasagna

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Cut lasagna into single servings, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for easy grab-and-go meals lasting up to 3 months.

FAQs

• What makes the ricotta mixture special?

The egg and parmesan cheese bind the ricotta, creating a creamy and flavorful layer that adds richness and helps the lasagna hold its shape when sliced.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats work great as substitutes for beef, allowing you to customize the lasagna to your taste preferences.

• Is it necessary to cover the lasagna with foil while baking?

Yes, covering with foil prevents the top from burning and helps the lasagna cook evenly, trapping moisture and ensuring the noodles are perfectly tender.

Easy And Flavorful Beef Lasagna

• Savor Comfort and Warmth: A hearty, soul-satisfying dish that wraps you in delicious comfort perfect for chilly days or when you need a nutritious meal.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: One-pot cooking method means minimal cleanup, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple adjustments like adding extra spices, swapping beans, or including different toppings to match personal taste preferences.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Protein-rich chicken, fiber-loaded beans, and vegetable mix create a balanced, wholesome dinner that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients For Classic Beef Lasagna

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic wide pasta essential for creating traditional layered structure of the dish.

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the lasagna.
• Egg: Helps bind ricotta mixture and adds structural integrity to the cheese layer.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth, soft layer in the lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, gooey texture to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Provides foundational flavor and aromatic base for the meat sauce.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides primary tomato base and moisture for the lasagna.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that add depth and traditional flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance other ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle flavor to the meat sauce.

• Red Wine, Mushrooms: Can be added for extra complexity and depth of flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the completed dish.

Step-by-Step Beef Lasagna Instructions

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Place lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water. Cook until tender and al dente.

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

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking meat into small crumbles.

Step 3: Create Robust Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Optional additions could include red wine or sliced mushrooms for extra depth.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Beaten egg
• Grated parmesan cheese

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Layer Lasagna

• Thin sauce layer
• Lasagna noodles
• Ricotta mixture
• Shredded mozzarella

Repeat layering process 2-3 times, ending with mozzarella on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover lasagna with aluminum foil.

Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow lasagna to rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips For Perfect Beef Lasagna Layers

• Choose high-quality ground beef with some fat for richer flavor and juiciness. Drain excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy lasagna. Let noodles cool slightly before layering to prevent sticking and make assembly easier. Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried for more vibrant taste. Allow lasagna to rest after baking, which helps layers set and makes cutting cleaner and more precise.

Delicious Variations For Beef Lasagna

• Spicy Southwestern Lasagna: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add black beans, corn, and green chiles. Top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Lamb Lasagna: Swap beef for ground lamb, incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and add oregano and mint. Use a tomato and red wine sauce for deeper Mediterranean flavors.
• Vegetarian Garden Lasagna: Substitute meat with roasted zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Layer with ricotta, spinach, and use a lighter marinara sauce for a veggie-packed meal.

Serving Suggestions For Beef Lasagna

• Dinner Party Delight: Create an elegant dining experience by serving lasagna on a large rectangular platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan. Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that impresses guests.
• Family-Style Comfort: Serve directly from the baking dish with a large serving spoon. Place colorful vegetable sides like roasted broccoli or glazed carrots around the lasagna. Encourage everyone to help themselves for a warm, casual family dinner.
• Italian Picnic Twist: Pack cooled lasagna slices in portable containers for a delightful outdoor meal. Add some cold antipasto salad and a bottle of red wine. Perfect for park gatherings or weekend picnics with friends.

Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade beef lasagna emerges as a classic Italian comfort dish packed with rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 12 sheets lasagna noodles
• 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 cups spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup provolone cheese, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare lasagna noodles according to package directions, ensuring they are al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until meat is completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture. Incorporate tomato paste, dried oregano, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Optional ingredients like red wine or sliced mushrooms can enhance the sauce’s depth.
5. Simmer sauce on low heat for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with beaten egg and grated parmesan until smooth and well-combined.
7. Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking.
8. Create layers by arranging noodles, spreading ricotta mixture, adding meat sauce, and sprinkling mozzarella. Repeat layering process, ensuring final top layer is mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover lasagna with aluminum foil, creating a tent to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows layers to set and makes serving easier.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Slice into rectangular portions and enjoy.

Notes

• Slightly undercook lasagna noodles since they’ll continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve perfect caramelization and enhance meat flavor.
• Ensure ricotta mixture is well-blended to create creamy, uniform layers throughout lasagna.
• Assemble lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 468 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 573 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 104 mg