Classic Beef Lasagna
This super easy recipe for classic beef lasagna brings together savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of tender pasta, all baked to golden perfection. It's an ideal meal for weeknights or family gatherings, delivering comforting Italian flavors with minimal fuss.
1Ingredients
- 450 gramsGround beef, lean
- 1 mediumOnion, chopped
- 2 clovesGarlic, minced
- 700 gramsCrushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoonsTomato paste
- 1 teaspoonDried oregano
- 0.8 teaspoonSalt
- 0.5 teaspoonBlack pepper
- 9 sheetsLasagna noodles, oven-ready
- 425 gramsRicotta cheese
- 1 wholeLarge egg
- 50 gramsParmesan cheese, grated
- 225 gramsMozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoonOlive oil
2Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
⏱ 5 min - 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱ 6 min - 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
⏱ 8 min - 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
⏱ 12 min - 5
While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
⏱ 5 min - 6
To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
⏱ 3 min - 7
Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Add another layer of meat sauce.
⏱ 3 min - 8
Repeat the noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce layers once more. For the final layer, place the remaining 3 noodles, top with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
⏱ 3 min - 9
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
⏱ 45 min - 10
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for easier serving.
⏱ 15 min