Classic Baked Lasagna with Beef Sauce

If you’re craving comfort food that brings everyone to the table, look no further than this Classic Baked Lasagna with Beef Sauce. This dish layers tender pasta sheets with a rich, savory beef sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging on a cozy night in, this lasagna will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and this version strikes the perfect balance between hearty and creamy. The beef sauce is packed with aromatic garlic and Italian herbs, while the ricotta and egg mixture adds a silky texture that complements the mozzarella’s melty goodness. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers maximum flavor without complicated steps. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. If you ever want to switch things up, try making a Deep Dish Lasagna for a thicker, more indulgent take or warm up with a comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup With Ricotta for a lighter, soupy version.

Ingredient Checklist

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot – for boiling lasagna noodles
• Large skillet – to brown the ground beef and sauté garlic
• Mixing bowl – for combining ricotta and egg
• 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering the lasagna
• Aluminum foil – to cover the dish while baking
• Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring and layering
• Cheese grater (optional) – if grating your own Parmesan and mozzarella

Step-by-Step: Classic Baked Lasagna with Beef Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Beef Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer on low for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with 1 beaten egg and a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds richness and helps the ricotta layer set nicely when baked.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you assemble the lasagna.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of the beef sauce on the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 4 noodles over the sauce. Dollop and spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then cover with about one-third of the beef sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

• Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Ricotta Cheese: Use cottage cheese blended smooth for a different texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Try part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a bit of heat.
• Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles save time and work just as well.
• Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can replace dried herbs if available.

Chef’s Notes

• Don’t skip resting the lasagna after baking. It helps the layers firm up for cleaner slices.
• If you want an extra cheesy top, sprinkle some fresh mozzarella and Parmesan five minutes before the end of baking and broil briefly.
• For a richer beef sauce, add a splash of red wine during simmering.
• Make sure to season each layer lightly with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
• Use high-quality marinara sauce — it really makes a difference in taste.

Storage & Reheat Guide

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely to retain moisture.

For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen lasagna keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the oven method above.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Do I have to boil the noodles before assembling?

Traditional lasagna calls for pre-cooked noodles, but you can use no-boil noodles if you prefer. Just make sure to add a bit more sauce to ensure the noodles cook fully in the oven.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers or use plant-based meat alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to get perfectly layered lasagna?

Using a flat spatula to spread sauces and cheese evenly helps. Also, laying the noodles flat and overlapping them slightly prevents gaps, giving you a uniform, beautiful lasagna.

More from the Kitchen

• Deep Dish Lasagna – A thicker, more indulgent lasagna recipe packed with layers of cheese and sauce.
• Lasagna Soup With Ricotta – A comforting twist that delivers all the flavors of lasagna in a warm, hearty soup.
• Classic Spaghetti Bolognese – Another hearty Italian favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Homemade Garlic Bread – The perfect sidekick to any pasta dish.

Let’s Eat

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a bubbling hot pan of this Classic Baked Lasagna with Beef Sauce from the oven. Each slice offers layers of tender noodles, savory beef sauce, and creamy cheese that melt together in every bite. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around the table. Pair it with your favorite salad or a side of garlic bread, pour a glass of your favorite drink, and enjoy the comforting flavors of a true classic.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this baked lasagna is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Happy cooking!

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