Description
Classic Beef Lasagna
Rich layers of pasta, savory beef sauce, creamy cheese, and a delicious tomato topping—this lasagna is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
:
12 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
:
Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Beef Sauce: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, stir in the marinara sauce, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef sauce. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, and then more beef sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of beef sauce on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy a slice of this hearty, cheesy lasagna for the ultimate comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect assembly, follow this detailed layering guide. After spreading a thin layer of sauce in your 9×13 inch dish, place 3 noodles side-by-side. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then top with 1/4 of the meat sauce. Repeat this sequence two more times: noodles, cheese, sauce. For the final layer, add the last 3 noodles, cover them with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan if desired. This method ensures every bite has balanced flavor and structure.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty lasagna pairs beautifully with a light, crisp side to balance its richness. Serve with a simple green salad tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette and some warm, crusty garlic bread. For a complete Italian feast, add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months.
How-to Summary
To make classic beef lasagna: 1) Boil and drain lasagna noodles. 2) Brown beef with onion and garlic, then simmer with marinara, water, and herbs to create the sauce. 3) Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg for the cheese filling. 4) In a baking dish, alternate layers of sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture. 5) Bake covered at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 more minutes. 6) Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes. Simply use them directly from the box. Ensure your sauce has a bit more liquid (add an extra 1/4 cup water) so the noodles can hydrate properly during baking.
How do I prevent a watery lasagna? Let the meat sauce simmer until thickened, and thoroughly drain any excess fat from the cooked beef. Allowing the baked lasagna to rest for a full 10 minutes is crucial for it to set.
What’s a good substitute for ricotta? Cottage cheese is an excellent substitute. Blend it briefly for a smoother texture, or use it as-is for a more rustic feel.
How can I add more vegetables? Finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or grated carrots can be sautéed with the onions and garlic. For spinach, simply thaw and squeeze dry frozen spinach before adding it to the cheese mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the noodle pot: Cook noodles in plenty of boiling, salted water to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Skipping the sauce layer on the bottom: This prevents the first layer of noodles from sticking to the dish.
- Using sauce that’s too thin: A runny sauce leads to a soupy lasagna. Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Skipping the rest time: Cutting immediately causes the layers to slide apart. Letting it rest allows everything to set.
- Overbaking after removing the foil: Watch carefully during the final 10 minutes—you just want the cheese melted and lightly golden, not burnt.
Conclusion
Mastering this classic beef lasagna is a rewarding culinary achievement. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the helpful tips and FAQs, you can consistently create a deeply satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish. Its perfect layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy cheese make it an ideal centerpiece for family dinners and special gatherings alike. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!