Here’s a classic, comforting lasagna recipe that’s rich, cheesy, and always a win 🍝
Classic Beef & Cheese Lasagna
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef + Italian sausage mix)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper
Cheese Layer
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Pasta
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the meat sauce
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in garlic, marinara, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Mix cheese filling
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Assemble lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer: noodles → ricotta mixture → meat sauce.
- Repeat layers, ending with sauce on top.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella if desired.
- Bake
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & serve
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Add a little cream or milk to the ricotta.
- Veggie lasagna: Swap meat for sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months.
If you want, I can also give you a white sauce (béchamel) lasagna, a one-pan lazy lasagna, or a high-protein version.
