Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for days. This classic Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna combines layers of tender pasta, a savory beef mixture, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients:
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Other:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
- Extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef, cooking for another 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Lay down 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a third of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of meat sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce) two more times.
- For the final layer, top with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with foil (to prevent sticking, either spray the foil with cooking spray or use non-stick foil).
- Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna:
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef to keep the lasagna from becoming greasy.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- If you have time, prepare the lasagna a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight. It gives the flavors more time to develop and can even be easier to cut!
Enjoy your cheesy, comforting homemade lasagna! This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad.
