Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna
The ultimate comfort food that’s worth every minute
Key Info
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1.5 hours (plus 15 min resting)
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten, eggs
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Colander
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Basic mixing bowls
Alternative: Use disposable aluminum pan for easy cleanup
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 kg (2 lbs) ground beef (80/20)
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 800g (28 oz) canned tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 425g (15 oz) ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 450g (16 oz) mozzarella, shredded
- 100g (1 cup) Parmesan, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
Other:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- Salt for pasta water
Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Step 2: Cook Pasta
- Boil noodles in salted water until just al dente (about 8 minutes)
- Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking
Step 3: Make Meat Sauce
- Brown beef over medium-high heat (8-10 minutes)
- Add onions, garlic – cook until softened
- Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings
- Simmer 20 minutes
Step 4: Mix Cheese Layer
- Combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, egg, parsley
- Season with salt and pepper
Step 5: Layer Assembly
- Sauce layer on bottom
- Noodles
- Cheese mixture
- Repeat 3 times
- Top with remaining mozzarella
Step 6: Bake
- Cover with foil
- Bake 45 minutes
- Uncover last 10 minutes
Crucial Tips
- Always let rest 15-30 minutes before cutting
- Don’t overcook noodles – they’ll continue cooking in oven
- Drain excess fat from meat before adding sauce
- Season each layer independently
Storage & Variations
- Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated
- Freezes up to 3 months
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours before baking
- Variation: Add Italian sausage for extra flavor
- Shortcut: Use no-boil noodles (reduce sauce slightly)
Remember: Great lasagna isn’t quick, but it’s simple. Take your time with each step and you’ll create something spectacular.
