Description
Beef Lasagna is a hearty layered pasta dish with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and bubbling melted mozzarella—classic comfort food at its best. This Italian-American favorite combines perfectly cooked lasagna noodles with a savory ground beef marinara sauce, a smooth ricotta cheese mixture enhanced with Italian seasoning, and generous layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a perfect meal to satisfy any craving for comforting, cheesy pasta goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly to prevent sticking.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once browned, stir in the marinara sauce and allow it to simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble Layers: In a baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers—sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella—until all components are used, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
Notes
- Letting lasagna rest after baking helps it to firm up and prevents it from falling apart when sliced.
- This lasagna can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking; when ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
- Use no-boil noodles to save prep time, adjusting sauce amount accordingly to ensure noodles cook through.
- For a richer flavor, add sautéed onions or garlic to the meat sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
