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A freshly baked tray of savory beef lasagna with melted cheese on top

Beef Lasagna

This classic beef lasagna recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta bake together to create a supremely satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Other
  • 12 lasagna noodles oven-ready or cooked al dente
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • large pot
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • foil

Method
 

Prepare Meat Sauce
  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot, then drain any excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or longer for richer flavor.
Prepare Béchamel Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
  2. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
  3. Season with nutmeg and salt, then set aside.
Assemble Lasagna
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish.
  3. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by béchamel sauce, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
  4. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of béchamel and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake Lasagna
  1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  3. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For best results, prepare the meat sauce a day in advance to allow flavors to meld. If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions before assembling. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated. This recipe can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.