Ultimate Beef Lasagna Recipe ๐Ÿ | Easy & Cheesy Family Dinner Idea!

A Cheesy, Hearty, and Irresistible Lasagna That Will Have Everyone Begging for Seconds!

Picture this: layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich and savory beef ragu, creamy bรฉchamel, and bubbling mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection. One bite, and youโ€™ll be transported to a cozy Italian trattoriaโ€”right in your own kitchen! This Beef Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep.

Did you know that lasagna dates back to ancient Greece? The modern version we love today evolved in Naples, Italy, where it became a staple of Sunday feasts. But hereโ€™s the best part: our recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. Unlike our Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna, which is lighter and veggie-packed, this beef version is indulgent, meaty, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Ready to make the best Beef Lasagna of your life? Letโ€™s dive in!


What Is Beef Lasagna?

Ever wondered why lasagna is such a crowd-pleaser? Is it the layers? The cheese? The way it makes your kitchen smell like an Italian grandmaโ€™s dream? Whatever the reason, one thingโ€™s for sure: Beef Lasagna is the king of baked pasta dishes.

Some say the name comes from the Greek word lasanon, meaning โ€œchamber potโ€ (yikes!). Thankfully, the dish has come a long way since then. Today, itโ€™s all about tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melty cheeseโ€”the ultimate trifecta. And as the old saying goes, the way to a manโ€™s heart is through his stomachโ€”but honestly, this lasagna wins over everyone!

So, grab your apron and letโ€™s make a lasagna so good, itโ€™ll have your family asking for it every week.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Beef Lasagna

1. Rich, Meaty, and Cheesy Perfection

This isnโ€™t just any lasagnaโ€”itโ€™s packed with a savory beef ragu, creamy bรฉchamel, and three types of cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta). Every bite is a flavor explosion!

2. Budget-Friendly & Better Than Takeout

Why spend $30 on restaurant lasagna when you can make twice the amount at home? This recipe is easy on the wallet and tastes even better than your favorite Italian spot.

3. Customizable & Family-Approved

Add extra veggies, swap beef for turkey, or make it extra spicyโ€”this lasagna is totally adaptable. Plus, kids and adults alike will devour it!

If you love this, youโ€™ll also adore our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Upsโ€”another cheesy, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Now, letโ€™s get cooking!


How to Make Beef Lasagna

Beef Lasagna
Beef Lasagna

Quick Overview

This Beef Lasagna is easy to assemble, requires no-boil noodles, and bakes up in just 45 minutes. The secret? A flavor-packed meat sauce and a creamy cheese layer that makes every bite irresistible.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins | Servings: 8

Key Ingredients for Beef Lasagna

โ€“ 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage)
โ€“ 1 onion, diced
โ€“ 3 garlic cloves, minced
โ€“ 24 oz marinara sauce
โ€“ 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
โ€“ 15 oz ricotta cheese
โ€“ 2 cups shredded mozzarella
โ€“ ยฝ cup grated parmesan
โ€“ 1 egg (for binding the cheese mixture)
โ€“ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
โ€“ Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
2. Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic until meat is browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce.
3. Mix the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and seasonings.
4. Layer the lasagna:
โ€“ Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9ร—13-inch baking dish.
โ€“ Add 3 lasagna noodles, then ยฝ cheese mixture, and โ…“ meat sauce.
โ€“ Repeat layers twice, ending with noodles and remaining meat sauce.
โ€“ Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
5. Bake covered with foil for 30 mins, then uncovered for 15 mins until bubbly and golden.
6. Rest for 10 mins before slicing (this keeps it from falling apart!).


What to Serve With Beef Lasagna

A crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine turn this lasagna into a restaurant-worthy meal. For a lighter option, try roasted veggies or a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing.

Looking for more Italian-inspired sides? Check out our Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: A Fresh and Nutritious Recipe Guide โ€”theyโ€™re the perfect crunchy contrast to creamy lasagna.


Top Tips for Perfecting Beef Lasagna

โœ” Use no-boil noodles to save timeโ€”they soften perfectly while baking.
โœ” Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy lasagna.
โœ” Let it rest before cuttingโ€”this helps the layers set.
โœ” Freeze leftovers for up to 3 monthsโ€”just thaw and reheat!


Storing and Reheating Tips

โ€“ Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
โ€“ Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
โ€“ Reheating: Microwave single portions or bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) until heated through.

For more meal prep ideas, explore our collection.


People Also Ask: Beef Lasagna

Beef Lasagna
Beef Lasagna

Do you have to cook lasagna noodles before baking?

Not if you use no-boil noodles! They absorb moisture from the sauce while baking, saving time and effort. Traditional noodles need pre-boiling, but this recipe skips that step.

How many layers should lasagna have?

Classic lasagna has 3-4 layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese. Too many layers make it hard to cut, while too few can be underwhelming. Stick to 3 solid layers for the best texture.

What is the best cheese for lasagna?

A mix of mozzarella (for meltiness), ricotta (for creaminess), and parmesan (for sharpness) creates the perfect balance. Some also love adding provolone for extra flavor.

How long should lasagna rest before cutting?

Let it sit for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, so your slices stay neat instead of sliding apart.


Final Thoughts

This Beef Lasagna is hearty, cheesy, and foolproofโ€”the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Whether itโ€™s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Got leftovers? They taste even better the next day! And if you loved this, try our The Best Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna Recipe (Youโ€™ll Regret Not Trying!) for a veggie-packed twist.

Now, go grab those ingredients and make the best lasagna everโ€”your family will thank you! โค๏ธ

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Beef Lasagna

Beef Lasagna


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 portions 1x

Description

A classic homemade beef lasagna layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy bรฉchamel, and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 800g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 250g lasagna noodles
  • 500ml bรฉchamel sauce
  • 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 100g parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan, sautรฉ onion and garlic until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions and drain.
  6. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, bรฉchamel, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
  7. Finish with a layer of bรฉchamel, mozzarella, and grated parmesan on top.
  8. Bake for 35โ€“40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  9. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, prepare the meat sauce a day ahead. You can also add red wine while simmering the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: beef lasagna, pasta, baked, Italian, comfort food

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