Beef Lasagna
A classic comfort food layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles, perfect for family gatherings.
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 9x13 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.
Notes
Serve hot with a simple green salad and garlic bread. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.