Print

Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe Easy Homemade Three Cheese Comfort Meal

classic beef lasagna recipe - featured image

A comforting classic beef lasagna layered with a rich meat sauce and a creamy three-cheese mixture, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • 12 tablespoons milk
  • 912 no-boil lasagna noodles or regular noodles cooked al dente
  • Olive oil or non-stick spray (to grease the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion to the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in marinara sauce, sprinkle oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed for spreadable texture.
  6. Assemble the lasagna: spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay down 3-4 lasagna noodles side by side. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over noodles. Spoon another layer of meat sauce on top.
  7. Repeat layering two more times: noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles and top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
  9. Let lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.

Notes

Use no-boil noodles to save time or cook regular noodles al dente to avoid mushiness. Simmer sauce for at least 15 minutes for best flavor. Let lasagna rest before slicing for easier serving. Cover with foil while baking to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef lasagna, classic lasagna, three cheese lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, comfort food, homemade lasagna