Go Back
A serving of savory beef lasagna with melted cheese and sauce

Beef Lasagna

A classic and hearty beef lasagna recipe, perfect for a family meal or gathering. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta make this a comforting and satisfying dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Béchamel Sauce
  • 0.5 cup butter
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • nutmeg a pinch
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Other
  • 12 sheets lasagna noodles oven-ready or cooked al dente
  • 4 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • large pot
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • foil

Method
 

Meat Sauce
  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Béchamel Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
  2. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by béchamel sauce, more meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese.
  3. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, prepare the meat sauce and béchamel sauce ahead of time to allow the flavors to deepen. If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them al dente before assembling. You can also add a layer of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.