This dish never fails to wow my dinner party guests
Oven-Baked Beef and Cheese Lasagna is a go-to comfort dish the whole family will love. A slow-simmered, herb-seasoned meat sauce paired with creamy ricotta and layers of melted cheese creates a rich, satisfying take on this classic Italian-American favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- Ground beef: 1 lb
- Onion, chopped: 1
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Dried basil: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
For the Layers
- Lasagna noodles: 9
- Ricotta cheese: 15 oz
- Egg: 1
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 3 cups
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 1 cup
Directions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the meat is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Noodles and Mix the Ricotta
Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg, mixing until smooth.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Bottom Layer: Spread a thin coating of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- First Layer: Lay 3 noodles over the sauce, spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, then add 1/3 of the mozzarella and 1/3 of the Parmesan.
- Second Layer: Repeat with the remaining ricotta, another 1/3 of the mozzarella, and 1/3 of the Parmesan.
- Top Layer: Add the final 3 noodles, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
5. Rest Before Serving
Allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes before cutting to help the layers hold together.
Pro Tip: Spray the underside of the foil with nonstick cooking spray to keep the cheese from sticking.
