Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe
This Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe is comfort food at its best. It is warm, filling, and full of rich flavor. Many families love this dish for dinner. It is perfect for weekends or special meals.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 500 grams ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Boil the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until just tender. Drain and lay flat carefully.
Heat the Oil
- Place a large skillet on medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm gently.
Cook the Onion
- Add chopped onion to skillet. Cook until soft and light golden, stirring often.
Add the Garlic
- Add minced garlic to onions. Cook for thirty seconds until fragrant, not burned.
Brown the Beef
- Add ground beef to skillet. Cook until browned fully. Break meat into small pieces.
Season the Beef
- Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well so flavors mix evenly.
Add Marinara Sauce
- Pour marinara sauce into beef mixture. Stir and simmer for ten minutes.
Prepare Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and half Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Prepare Baking Dish
- Lightly grease baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on bottom.
First Layer
- Place noodles over sauce. Add ricotta mixture. Spread gently and evenly.
Add Meat Sauce
- Spoon beef sauce over ricotta layer. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Repeat Layers
- Repeat noodles, ricotta, beef sauce, and mozzarella until ingredients are used.
Final Cheese Layer
- Top final layer with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for golden finish.
Cover and Bake
- Cover dish with foil. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
Bake Uncovered
- Remove foil. Bake another 15 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns lightly.
Rest Before Serving
- Let lasagna rest for ten minutes. This helps layers set nicely.
Notes
- Use lean beef to reduce extra grease.
- Add mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Use no-boil noodles to save time.
- Add red pepper flakes for mild heat.
- Replace beef with ground turkey for lighter version.
- Add spinach between layers for extra nutrition.