Beef lasagna is a timeless comfort food loved by families across America. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers a mouthwatering experience in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering, or meal prep, this homemade beef lasagna recipe will impress everyone at the table.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make the perfect beef lasagna that’s both hearty and packed with flavor.
Why This Beef Lasagna is the Best
- Rich & Meaty: A robust beef sauce simmered to perfection.
- Cheesy Goodness: A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the perfect melt.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later.
- Authentic Homemade Taste: Better than any store-bought lasagna!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water.
- Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Mix well.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
💡 Pro Tip: The longer you simmer the sauce, the richer the flavors become.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- If using traditional lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet, brushing lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
(Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.)
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella over the ricotta layer.
- Add another 1 cup of meat sauce on top.
- Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a layer of noodles and sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for the perfect pairing.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✔ Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
✔ Freezing Instructions:
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour, or until heated through.
✔ Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Expert Tips for the Best Beef Lasagna
✔ Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and enhance flavor.
✔ Let the Lasagna Rest: Resting allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.
✔ Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the meat sauce for perfect balance.
✔ Double the Recipe: Make two lasagnas and freeze one for later!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.
How Do I Prevent a Runny Lasagna?
- Let the meat sauce simmer until thick.
- Avoid overloading with sauce.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Lasagna?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Homemade beef lasagna is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving comfort food, this recipe delivers every time. Try it out and enjoy a slice of cheesy, meaty perfection!
Let us know how your lasagna turned out in the comments! Happy cooking!
