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A bubbling dish of savory beef lasagna with a golden cheesy top.

Beef Lasagna

This classic beef lasagna recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta make a truly satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Béchamel Sauce
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • salt to taste
Other
  • 12 lasagna noodles oven-ready
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • large pot
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Prepare the Meat Sauce
  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot, then drain excess fat and set aside. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, then return the beef to the pot.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
Make the Béchamel Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened; season with nutmeg and salt.
Assemble the Lasagna
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, then top with a layer of meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and shredded mozzarella.
  3. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, prepare the meat sauce ahead of time to allow flavors to meld. You can also add a touch of red wine to the meat sauce for extra depth. If using traditional lasagna noodles, boil them according to package instructions before assembling. Adjust seasoning to your preference.