Introduction
Classic Beef Lasagna is a dish that never goes out of style, and for good reason – it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to make and always a hit. There’s something special about the combination of tender ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and creamy bechamel sauce, all layered with lasagna noodles and melted mozzarella cheese. In this recipe, we’ll explore the timeless appeal of Classic Beef Lasagna and provide you with a simple, foolproof guide to making it at home.
As you take your first bite, the aroma of garlic and oregano fills the air, and the flavors of parmesan and basil meld together in perfect harmony. The texture is just as appealing, with the al dente lasagna noodles providing a satisfying bite and the gooey mozzarella cheese stretching with each forkful.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Classic Beef Lasagna recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So let’s get started and explore the world of lasagna together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Classic Beef Lasagna recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s an easy beef lasagna recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The combination of ground beef, marinara sauce, and bechamel sauce creates a rich, satisfying flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd, as it serves 6-8 people and can be easily doubled or tripled if needed.
One of the unique touches of this recipe is the use of bechamel sauce, which adds a creamy, velvety texture to the dish. We’ll also explore some traditional elements that make this recipe stand out, such as the use of parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
So if you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing lasagna recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and explore the world of Classic Beef Lasagna!
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of bechamel sauce
- 8-10 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp of dried basil
- 1 tsp of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
For the Bechamel Sauce
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups of canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp of dried oregano
- 1 tsp of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, there are a few key players that make this dish truly special. The ground beef provides a rich, meaty flavor, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet note. The bechamel sauce, made with butter, flour, and milk, adds a creamy, velvety texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can try using ground turkey or ground pork instead of ground beef. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes, or fresh basil instead of dried basil. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Some other ingredients that are worth noting are the lasagna noodles, which provide a sturdy base for the dish, and the mozzarella cheese, which adds a melty, creamy texture. The parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Equipment Needed
To make this Classic Beef Lasagna recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. First, you’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish, which will serve as the base for the lasagna. You’ll also need a saucepan to cook the marinara sauce and bechamel sauce, as well as a frying pan to brown the ground beef.
In addition to these basics, you’ll also need a colander to drain the lasagna noodles, as well as a cheese grater to grate the parmesan cheese. A measuring cup and measuring spoons will also come in handy, as you’ll need to measure out the ingredients with precision.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the pan and add tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer and letting it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, usually boiling them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg in a bowl, mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Spread a layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, then arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, then the noodles, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and finally the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you assemble the lasagna, be sure to spread the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Then, arrange the lasagna noodles on top, making sure to leave a little space between each noodle.
Next, spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, then the noodles, the ricotta cheese mixture, and finally the mozzarella cheese.
When you’re ready to bake the lasagna, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes people make when making lasagna is overcooking the lasagna noodles. To avoid this, be sure to cook the noodles until they’re al dente, then drain and set them aside.
Another common issue is the lasagna becoming too dry. To prevent this, be sure to use enough meat sauce and ricotta cheese mixture, and don’t overbake the dish.
If you’re having trouble getting the cheese to melt, try covering the dish with aluminum foil and baking for a few minutes longer. You can also try using a broiler to get a nice, golden-brown crust on top of the lasagna.
Some other lasagna tips to keep in mind include using fresh ingredients, such as fresh basil and parmesan cheese, and not overmixing the ricotta cheese mixture. You can also try adding other ingredients, such as spinach or mushrooms, to give the dish a bit more flavor and texture.
For more lasagna tips and tricks, be sure to check out our other recipes and tutorials, such as our Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup or Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta. And if you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Storage & Freezing
If you’re looking to store or freeze your Classic Beef Lasagna, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to let the lasagna cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the dish fresh for longer.
To refrigerate the lasagna, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze the lasagna, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the lasagna, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Beef Lasagna is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and salads. Some of our favorite serving suggestions for beef lasagna include a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
You can also try serving the lasagna with a side of garlic knots or breadsticks, or with a green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Whatever you choose, we’re sure you’ll love the combination of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get about Classic Beef Lasagna:
- Q: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake it. - Q: How do I freeze lasagna?
A: To freeze lasagna, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. - Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes. Just be sure to cook them down until they’re soft and the liquid has been reduced. - Q: How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming too dry?
A: To prevent the lasagna from becoming too dry, be sure to use enough meat sauce and ricotta cheese mixture, and don’t overbake the dish. - Q: Can I add other ingredients to the lasagna?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to the lasagna, such as spinach or mushrooms, to give it a bit more flavor and texture. - Q: How do I reheat frozen lasagna?
A: To reheat frozen lasagna, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For more information, you can also check out our Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili recipe.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional information for Classic Beef Lasagna:
- Calories: approx 550 kcal
- Protein: approx 22g
- Carbs: approx 45g
- Fat: approx 36g
- Sugar: approx 3g
- Fiber: approx 2g
- Cholesterol: approx 50mg
- Sodium: approx 200mg
- Vitamin A: approx 700 IU
Conclusion
And there you have it – a delicious, crowd-pleasing Classic Beef Lasagna recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media. Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! We can’t wait to see your delicious creations.
Thanks for joining us on this culinary journey, and we’ll see you in the next recipe. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to enjoy your delicious Classic Beef Lasagna!
Classic Beef Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the pan and add tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer and letting it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, usually boiling them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg in a bowl, mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Spread a layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, then arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, then the noodles, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and finally the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.