Homemade Beef Lasagna Recipe: Layers of Cozy Comfort

Crafting a mouthwatering easy beef lasagna recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Layers of rich, savory goodness promise to delight your taste buds with every single bite.

Tender pasta sheets nestled between seasoned ground beef and creamy cheese create a classic comfort meal.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, transforming simple components into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Minimal preparation meets maximum flavor in this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will find themselves swooning over each delectable forkful.

Bring this crowd-pleasing classic to your table and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Lasagna Pro Tips for Big Flavor

• Select 85% or 90% lean beef to reduce excess grease and keep the lasagna from becoming too oily.
• After browning the beef, drain excess fat completely to prevent a greasy texture and maintain a lighter dish.
• Create even layers by spreading ingredients carefully, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance of noodles, meat, and cheese.
• Allow the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps it set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
• Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of dried basil to the meat sauce for a more complex and rich taste profile.

Creative Lasagna Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitute for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna: Swap pasta noodles with thinly sliced zucchini strips to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace noodles with thinly sliced eggplant layers for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Mediterranean-Style Lasagna: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and add dried basil with a touch of red pepper flakes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Best Ways to Serve Beef Lasagna

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice lasagna into neat squares and arrange on a colorful platter with fresh basil garnish for stunning presentation.
• Comfort Companion Combo: Serve alongside crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to create a complete, satisfying meal that delights every taste bud.
• Leftover Magic: Store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunch or dinner reheat, maintaining delicious flavor and texture for 3-4 days in refrigerator.
• Family Style Feast: Place entire lasagna dish in center of dining table, letting everyone scoop their own hearty portion with extra marinara sauce on side.

Storing Leftover Lasagna, the Easy Way

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Wrap individual portions or entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this lasagna recipe and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• Is it necessary to boil lasagna noodles before layering?

While traditional recipes require boiling, you can use no-boil/oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time and simplify the cooking process.

• How can I make this lasagna healthier?

Use lean ground beef, part-skim mozzarella, and reduce the amount of cheese to cut down on calories and fat while maintaining delicious flavor.

• Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Layers of Love: Beef Lasagna Made Simple

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a hearty, classic Italian-style meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its rich, cheesy layers and savory meat sauce.
• Minimal Prep Powerhouse: Requires straightforward cooking steps that don't demand advanced culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Family Dinner Champion: Creates a substantial one-dish meal that feeds multiple people, works great for weekly dinners, potlucks, and gathering with loved ones.
• Flexible Flavor Booster: Allows easy customization by adding extra herbs, swapping ground beef for turkey, or incorporating additional vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.

Easy Beef Lasagna: Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty base for the lasagna that provides rich meaty texture.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Water: Helps to thin and simmer the meat sauce for the perfect consistency.

• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste of the meat sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, soft cheese that adds richness and smooth texture to the lasagna.
• Eggs: Bind the ricotta mixture and help create a stable filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Lasagna Noodles: The classic layered pasta that forms the structure of the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a golden, gooey top layer.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the meat sauce.

Steps to Lasagna Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s perfectly ready for our lasagna adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Toss ground beef and diced onions into a sizzling skillet.

Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef and stirring until it turns a rich, golden brown and the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Marinara sauce
• Water

Let the sauce simmer and bubble for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles following the instructions on the package.

Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Start the Layering Process

Spread a thin, even layer of meat sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

This prevents the noodles from sticking and adds an extra flavor boost.

Step 7: Build Amazing Layers

• Noodles
• Ricotta mixture
• Meat sauce
• Mozzarella cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, ending with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the lasagna into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that promises deliciousness.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, give your lasagna 10 minutes to settle.

This helps it set and makes serving much easier.

Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian Easy Beef Lasagna brings comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens to your dinner table. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 15 ounces (425 g) ricotta cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 small onion (diced)

Sauce and Cheese:

• 24 ounces (680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 lasagna noodles (about 12 noodles)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Brown ground beef with diced onion in a skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
3. Incorporate marinara sauce, water, oregano, salt, and pepper into meat mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop rich flavors.
4. Whisk ricotta cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and well integrated.
5. Prepare lasagna noodles following package guidelines, ensuring they are cooked al dente.
6. Create a thin protective base layer of meat sauce in the baking dish to prevent sticking.
7. Construct alternating layers: start with noodles, spread ricotta mixture evenly, add meat sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering process for maximum flavor distribution.
8. Transfer lasagna to preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until cheese turns golden and sauce bubbles around edges.
9. Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling layers to set and making slicing easier.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier lasagna option.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Allow lasagna to rest fully before cutting to help layers set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked lasagna for convenient meal prep, storing up to 3 months in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg