The Ultimate Beef Lasagna Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a bubbling, golden-brown Beef Lasagna fresh out of the oven. With its layers of tender pasta, rich and savory beef sauce, creamy béchamel or ricotta filling, and gooey melted cheese, this Italian classic has won hearts around the globe.

Lasagna is more than just a dish—it’s a centerpiece for family dinners, holidays, and gatherings. Whether you’re making it for Sunday supper, a holiday party, or meal prepping for the week, this Beef Lasagna recipe will give you the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the ultimate lasagna, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to helpful cooking tips, storage methods, and serving suggestions.

Ingredients for Beef Lasagna

Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional Beef Lasagna recipe that serves about 8 people:

For the Meat Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ cup beef broth or red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)

 the Cheese Filling

• 16 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)

 the Pasta

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

 Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or saucepan

• Wooden spoon

• Mixing bowls

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Saucepan (if making béchamel sauce alternative)

• Cheese grater

• Aluminum foil

• Sharp knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

6. Add sugar, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

7. Pour in beef broth or red wine if using.

8. Simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thick and flavorful.

 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

• If using regular noodles: Boil according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• If using oven-ready noodles: Skip this step.

 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella.

2. Stir in parsley and mix well.

 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

3. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce.

4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.

5. Add another layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella.

6. Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used.

7. Finish with a layer of noodles, sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover with aluminum foil (to prevent cheese from burning).

2. Bake for 25 minutes covered.

3. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

4. Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Helpful Tips for Making the Best Beef Lasagna

1. Make Ahead Friendly – Assemble the lasagna a day before and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

2. Better Flavor with Simmering – Letting the meat sauce simmer longer deepens the flavor.

3. Prevent Watery Lasagna – Drain noodles well, don’t overload with sauce, and let lasagna rest before cutting.

4. Cheese Choices – Use whole milk mozzarella for the best gooey texture. Add provolone or fontina for extra richness.

5. Vegetable Boost – Add layers of spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrients.

Variations of Beef Lasagna

• Bechamel Beef Lasagna (Italian Style): Replace ricotta with a creamy béchamel sauce.

• Cheesy Beef & Spinach Lasagna: Add sautéed spinach to the cheese layer.

• Spicy Beef Lasagna: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage to the sauce.

• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles or zucchini slices instead of pasta.

1. Nutritional Value (Per Serving, about 1/8 of recipe)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Fat: 24g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 900mg

• Calcium: 350mg

1. (Values vary depending on ingredients and portion size)
2. Serving Suggestions

• Pair with: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

• Wine pairing: A bold red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Occasions: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, Sunday dinners, or potlucks.

1. Storing and Freezing Beef Lasagna

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through.

1. Why This Beef Lasagna Recipe Stands Out
2. This recipe brings together everything you love about lasagna:

• A rich, slow-simmered beef sauce.

• A creamy, cheesy filling.

• Layers of pasta baked to golden perfection.

• Easy customization to suit your taste.

1. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Beef Lasagna recipe guarantees smiles at the table.
2. Conclusion
3. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate Beef Lasagna recipe, this one checks all the boxes. Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy. The combination of savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese makes this lasagna a timeless favorite.
4. So next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, skip the takeout and create this homemade masterpiece. One bite of this lasagna, and you’ll understand why it’s considered the king of Italian comfort food.