When you’re in the mood for something filling, cheesy, and packed with comfort, this Classic Beef Lasagna checks all the boxes. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth with every forkful.
Whether you’re feeding the family on a chilly evening, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prepare, flexible with ingredients, and often tastes even better as leftovers.
🧂 Ingredients
Meat Sauce
Ground beef or Italian sausage – 1 lb (450 g)
Medium onion, finely chopped – 1
Garlic cloves, minced – 3
Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 oz)
Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz)
Tomato paste – 1 can (6 oz)
Dried basil – 1 tsp
Dried oregano – 1 tsp
Red pepper flakes (optional) – ½ tsp
Salt & black pepper – To taste
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Cheese Mixture
Ricotta cheese – 1 container (15 oz)
Large egg – 1
Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped – ¼ cup
Salt & black pepper – To taste
For Assembly
Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or pre-cooked) – 12
Shredded mozzarella cheese – 3 cups (divided)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional) – As desired
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sauté until browned, around 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, herbs, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth.
4. Layer the Lasagna
Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish.
Add a layer of noodles, then top with ⅓ of the ricotta mix, followed by another cup of meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella.
Repeat these layers two more times.
Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with the last cup of mozzarella.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with foil sprayed with cooking spray (to prevent sticking).
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil.
Bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes to get that golden crust—watch it closely!
6. Rest & Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing—it helps the layers hold together.
Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Tip: This lasagna can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for future meals. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!