This dish never fails to wow my dinner party guests.
This Oven-Baked Beef and Cheese Lasagna is a true crowd-pleasing comfort dish. A slow-simmered, herb-seasoned meat sauce layered with a creamy ricotta and egg mixture creates the ideal combination of savory beef and melty cheese—an Italian-American classic everyone loves.
Oven-Baked Beef and Cheese Lasagna
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 tablespoons
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- 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
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped 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, then let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles and Ricotta
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese and egg together until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Base Layer: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- First Layer: Arrange 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella and 1/3 of the Parmesan.
- Second Layer: Add another 3 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another 1/3 of the mozzarella, and 1/3 of the Parmesan.
- Top Layer: Place the final 3 noodles over the layers, spread on the remaining meat sauce, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 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.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
