Beef lasagna is a classic comfort food that many people love. This delicious pasta dish is layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles, making it a fulfilling meal for family and friends. If you’re looking for a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy, this beef lasagna recipe is perfect for you!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make beef lasagna because it’s not only tasty but also satisfying. It’s a great way to feed a group of people or even have leftovers for a busy week ahead. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Making your own beef lasagna allows you to control the flavors and quality of the ingredients. You’ll also enjoy the joy of cooking and impressing your loved ones!
How to Make Beef Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2.5 pounds ground beef (lean)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 30 ounces tomato sauce (I use 2 (15-oz) cans)
- ½ cup vegetable broth or beef broth
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano (divided)
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 15 lasagna noodles (cooked per package instructions)
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Make the Sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, broth, sugar, basil, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1½ teaspoons of salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles + Make the Ricotta Filling: While the sauce is cooking, prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, remaining oregano, and remaining salt.
- Assemble the Layers: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta filling, then a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cook the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the lasagna for about 45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Beef Lasagna
Serve beef lasagna hot, right out of the oven. You can pair it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish it with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor!
How to Store Beef Lasagna
You can store leftover beef lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well. To freeze, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips to Make Beef Lasagna
- For a richer flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and sausage.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the layers for extra nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker lasagna, use less sauce between the layers.
- Let the lasagna cool before cutting to get neat slices.
Variation
You can easily make a vegetarian lasagna by replacing the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms. You can also use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for unique flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and keep it in the fridge for a day before baking. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
2. How do I know when the lasagna is done cooking?
Your lasagna is done when the cheese on top is melted and golden, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
3. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a convenient option and still work great in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for best results.
Beef Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the meat
- 2.5 pounds ground beef (lean) Can substitute with ground sausage for richer flavor
- 1 large yellow onion (diced) Adds sweetness to the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Enhances flavor
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes Base for the sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste Thickens the sauce
- 30 ounces tomato sauce Use 2 (15-oz) cans
- ½ cup vegetable broth or beef broth Adds depth of flavor
- 1½ tablespoons sugar Balances acidity
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil For flavoring
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano (divided) For flavoring
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt (divided) Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper For seasoning
For the Lasagna
- 15 pieces lasagna noodles (cooked per package instructions) Base of the lasagna
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese Creamy filling between layers
- 1 large egg Helps bind the ricotta
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Top layer for cheesiness
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese For sprinkling on top
Instructions
Make the Sauce
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, broth, sugar, basil, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1½ teaspoons of salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes.
Cook the Noodles + Make the Ricotta Filling
- While the sauce is cooking, prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, remaining oregano, and remaining salt.
Assemble the Layers
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of noodles on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta filling, then a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Cook the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the lasagna for about 45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
