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A hot dish of beef lasagna with melted cheese on top

Beef Lasagna

This recipe provides a proven method for creating delicious beef lasagna, perfect for a hearty family meal. It involves layering pasta, a rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 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 basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Other
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Prepare Meat Sauce
  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain any excess fat.
  2. Add onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
Prepare Cheese Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley.
Assemble Lasagna
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  4. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
  5. Repeat the noodle, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella layers.
  6. Place a final layer of noodles, cover with remaining meat sauce, and generously sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake Lasagna
  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve
  1. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving so that it sets properly.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can let the meat sauce simmer longer. This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, or frozen for later enjoyment.