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A serving of savory beef lasagna with melted cheese and sauce

Beef Lasagna Test

A hearty and classic beef lasagna featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese, baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead of time.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg large
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
Other
  • 12 lasagna noodles oven-ready
  • 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet until browned, then drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can simmer longer for a richer flavor.
  4. While sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
Assembly
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly if needed.
  3. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
  4. Repeat the noodle, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella layers once more.
  5. Place a final layer of noodles, cover with remaining meat sauce, and generously sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and some Parmesan cheese.
Baking
  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  3. Let the lasagna stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For a richer flavor, simmer the meat sauce for an hour or more, adding a splash of red wine if desired. You can also assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.