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A bubbling dish of savory beef lasagna with a golden cheesy top.

Beef Lasagna

This classic beef lasagna is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheese make for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1.5 tsp dried basil leaves
  • 0.5 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Other
  • 12 sheets lasagna noodles
  • 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • medium bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • foil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Meat Sauce
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, fennel seeds (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Cheese Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Assembly
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  3. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
  4. Top with a layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle with a third of the shredded mozzarella and a quarter of the Parmesan cheese.
  5. Repeat the noodle, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan layers.
  6. Place a final layer of noodles, then cover with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
  1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  3. Let the lasagna stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground Italian sausage. You can also make the meat sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Ensure noodles are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can omit the fennel seeds or use a food processor to finely grind them before adding to the sauce.