CookTasty
♡
Menu
Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe
Italian · Dinner

Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

Beef Lasagna is a hearty and classic Italian dish made with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This comforting recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or special occasion.

Prep
25 min
Cook
40 min
Serves
5
Difficulty
Hard

Method

1

Ragu Base

Begin by preparing the meat sauce by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then adding chopped onions and cooking them until they become soft and translucent before adding minced garlic and sautéing until fragrant.
2

Brown Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan and cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is browned and no longer pink, ensuring an even texture throughout.
3

Simmer Red Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper, then allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes until it thickens and develops a rich flavor.
4

Creamy Béchamel

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the béchamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, adding flour, and stirring continuously to form a smooth paste before gradually adding milk and whisking until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
5

Prep Sheets

Cook the lasagna sheets according to package instructions if required, then drain and set them aside on a flat surface to prevent sticking.
6

Oven Set

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for assembling the lasagna layers.
7

Build Layers

Start layering by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of lasagna sheets, then béchamel sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, repeating the layers evenly.
8

Top & Finish

Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of béchamel sauce and topping with mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a golden crust.

Golden and bubbly beef lasagna fresh in the baking dish from the oven
9

Bake & Bubble

Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, then remove and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its shape.

A chef slicing a hot and creamy beef lasagna with a sharp kitchen knife
10

Serve Warm

Serve warm and enjoy this rich, comforting, and delicious beef lasagna.

A traditional Italian lasagna dinner table setting with red wine and garlic bread

Cook’s tips

  • Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting; this ensures the layers stay together when served.
  • For a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it is simmering.
  • Always use a mix of Mozzarella for stretch and Parmesan for a salty, sharp flavor profile.

Recipe notes

Beef Lasagna is a hearty and classic Italian dish made with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This comforting recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or special occasion.

Completing your Italian feast? Serve this alongside our Classic Caesar Salad or follow up with a slice of our Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza for the ultimate Mediterranean experience!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use no-boil lasagna sheets?

Yes, just make sure your sauce is slightly thinner so the sheets have enough moisture to cook through.

How long does leftovers last?

Lasagna tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Pairs well with

Browse all recipes
Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Italian

Classic Caesar Salad Recipe

Caesar Salad is a classic and refreshing dish made with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and parmesan cheese. This easy Caesar salad recipe is perfect for a light and healthy lunch.

10 minEasy