The Best Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Crafting a delectable beef lasagna can spark joy in your culinary adventures.

Rich layers of pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese promise a mouthwatering experience.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Homemade lasagna brings warmth and excitement to any dinner table.

Each bite combines hearty ingredients that blend perfectly together.

Simple techniques make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Let’s uncover the secrets to creating a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Classic Beef Lasagna with Layers of Flavor

• Craft Delightful Layers: Build a mouthwatering lasagna with perfect combinations of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese that creates a stunning visual and taste experience.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra herbs, different meats, or vegetables to match your family's unique flavor preferences.
• Master Classic Cooking: Learn fundamental cooking techniques like creating rich meat sauce, layering ingredients, and achieving perfect cheese melt while preparing a traditional Italian-inspired dish.
• Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Impress everyone from picky kids to sophisticated adults with a classic recipe that brings people together around the dinner table and satisfies multiple taste buds.

Ingredients for Hearty Beef Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the hearty foundation of the meat sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté and develop deep flavors in the meat and vegetables.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Provides an aromatic and robust flavor to the dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create a robust and thick base for the meat sauce with intense tomato flavor.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that enhance the sauce's authentic taste.
• Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Balance and season the tomato sauce for a perfect flavor profile.

• Lasagna Noodles: The classic pasta that provides structure and texture to the lasagna.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth layer between the pasta sheets.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and adds richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a sharp and salty flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh herb note to the ricotta layer.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides the classic melty and stretchy cheese topping.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional herbs for a bright and fresh finishing touch.

How to Prepare Beef Lasagna Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create a Rich and Hearty Meat Sauce

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil until it shimmers beautifully.

Add ground beef, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks to a rich, golden brown. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Toss in finely chopped onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute or two, releasing its wonderful fragrance.

Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring to combine.

Sprinkle dried basil, oregano, a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper.

Let the sauce gently bubble for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep, layered flavors.

Step 2: Whip Up a Creamy Ricotta Blend

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended, creating a luscious and flavorful filling for your lasagna layers.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta Sheets

Boil lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.

Carefully drain and set aside, ready to be layered.

Step 4: Assemble Your Layered Masterpiece

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Spread a thin layer of the hearty meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.

Start layering with lasagna noodles, then a generous spread of ricotta mixture, followed by a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella.

Repeat these layers, building a delicious stack, and finish with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese for that perfect golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Savor Every Bite

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes to set, making it easier to slice.

Cut into hearty portions and, if you like, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Beef Lasagna

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy lasagna and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated meat flavor.
• Allow meat sauce to develop rich, deep flavors by simmering gently and stirring occasionally, which helps ingredients meld together perfectly.
• Create even layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese to guarantee each bite has a balanced combination of textures and tastes.
• Let lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving easier without falling apart.
• Add extra mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, crispy cheese crust that looks and tastes amazing.

Flavorful Variations for Beef Lasagna

• Vegetarian Veggie Lasagna: Replace ground beef with a mix of sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. Use plant-based ricotta cheese and skip the egg for a fully vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Lasagna: Swap traditional wheat lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets or use thinly sliced zucchini as noodle replacements. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna: Substitute pasta noodles with thin zucchini slices cut lengthwise. Layer zucchini strips instead of traditional noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining classic lasagna flavors.
• Turkey Lean Lasagna: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter protein option.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Lasagna

• Italian Feast Night: Create a festive dinner atmosphere with checkered tablecloth, candles, and soft background music to transport your family to a cozy Italian restaurant.
• Complementary Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread to balance the rich lasagna and add extra texture to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the dining experience with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the robust meat sauce and cheesy layers.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch and elevate the visual appeal of the dish.

Storage Advice to Keep Beef Lasagna Fresh

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish sealed to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mix of meats for variety in flavor.

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients like tomato sauce are gluten-free. Check labels carefully to avoid any hidden gluten.

Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef lasagna offers layers of comfort and flavor from Italy’s rich culinary tradition. Melted cheese, robust meat sauce, and tender pasta sheets combine for a satisfying meal that welcomes friends to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Tomato and Seasoning Components:

• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing for meat sauce creation.
2. Add ground beef and sauté until thoroughly browned, using a spoon to break up chunks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and cook until translucent and softened.
4. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, then season with dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend ingredients thoroughly.
6. Allow sauce to simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring periodically to develop rich, deep flavors.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and seasonings. Whisk until smooth and well-integrated.
8. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then carefully drain and set aside.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for assembly and baking.
10. Create a thin sauce base in a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
11. Layer lasagna noodles across the sauce, creating the first structural foundation.
12. Spread ricotta mixture evenly over noodles, ensuring complete coverage.
13. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese to add creamy texture and richness.
14. Repeat layering process (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until ingredients are exhausted, finishing with a mozzarella cheese crown.
15. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
16. Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
17. Allow lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes for structural stability before slicing.
18. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for visual appeal and added flavor.

Notes

• Pick lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier lasagna base.
• Allow meat sauce to simmer longer for deeper, richer flavor development.
• Use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify preparation and save cooking time.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets or zucchini slices.
• Enhance protein content by mixing ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Prepare sauce and ricotta mixture a day ahead to intensify flavors and reduce day-of cooking stress.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for convenient future meals.
• Create vegetarian version by replacing meat with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 287 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg