Name: Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagne noodles; 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups mozzarella cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese

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There is something truly magical about a Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe that brings comfort and joy to the table like no other dish. It combines layers of rich beef sauce, velvety béchamel, and tender pasta, all baked until bubbling and golden. Each bite is a warm, flavorful embrace that feels both hearty and elegant. Whether you’re serving family or impressing guests, this lasagne delivers satisfaction in every forkful, making it a beloved Italian dinner staple you’ll want to return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a six-step cooking process in white plates and pots placed on a white marbled surface. First, there is a white plate filled with a bright orange mixture of finely chopped carrots and onions. In the second step, a white plate contains raw minced meat being stirred with a wooden spoon. The third step shows the minced meat cooked and browned evenly in a white plate. The fourth step captures the cooked meat in a pot with a red sauce poured over it, stirred with a wooden spoon. The fifth step displays the pot with the sauce and meat bubbling and mixing, showing a thick consistency. Finally, the sixth image depicts a thick, rich meat sauce filling the pot with visible textured meat pieces simmered in deep red sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe is simple but key to achieving its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role, from the savory beef and aromatic onion to the creamy béchamel that softens the layers and the cheeses that bring gooey indulgence and a golden finish.

Lasagne noodles: The backbone of the dish, these tender sheets of pasta hold all the layers together beautifully.
Ground beef: Adds a rich and hearty flavor; browning it properly develops depth.
Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and aroma that complement the beef sauce perfectly.
Marinara sauce: Provides a fresh, tangy tomato base that brightens the rich meat.
Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and deepens the sauce’s color and texture.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy layers adding creamy indulgence.
Ricotta cheese: Offers a mild, fluffy creaminess that lightens the dish.
Butter: Essential for a silky béchamel, enriching its flavor and texture.
Flour: Thickens the béchamel to the perfect consistency.
Milk: Creates the smooth, creamy sauce that balances the robust meat.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the layers harmoniously.

How to Make Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe

Step 1: Cook the noodles

Start by cooking the 12 lasagne noodles according to the package instructions. This ensures they’re tender but still firm enough to hold the layers together without falling apart. Drain and set them aside carefully so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Prepare the beef sauce

In a large pan, brown 1 pound of ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion turns translucent. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, simmering everything so the flavors meld into a rich, hearty sauce that’s the star of the dish.

Step 3: Make the béchamel sauce

While the meat sauce simmers, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, allowing it to thicken into a creamy béchamel that adds a luxurious, velvety layer to the lasagne.

Step 4: Assemble the layers

This is the fun part. In a baking dish, layer noodles first, followed by a generous spread of the meat sauce. Dollop and evenly spread 1 cup of ricotta cheese over the sauce, then pour some of the béchamel on top. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to finish this layer. Repeat these layers until you use all the ingredients, ending with mozzarella on top for that irresistible melted crust.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Place your assembled lasagne into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cheese on top should be bubbly and golden brown. To get clean slices with defined layers, allow the lasagne to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

How to Serve Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe

The image shows a baked lasagna in a white rectangular dish on a wooden surface with a white marbled background. The top layer is golden-brown melted cheese with some green fresh parsley leaves scattered evenly. Below the cheese, there is a thick layer of rich tomato sauce mixed with meat, visible slightly around the edges with a hearty texture. The lasagna layers beneath alternate between creamy white cheese and red sauce with pasta sheets faintly visible. The edges of the dish have baked, slightly crisped cheese and sauce. Two small bowls with red sauce and green herbs sit blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe beautifully, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a splash of color and a hint of freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving also adds a lovely sharpness that complements the creamy layers.

Side Dishes

This hearty lasagne pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette are also classic companions that soak up every last bit of luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins for a charming, rustic presentation. You can also try layering in a glass casserole dish so guests can admire the gorgeous layers before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Lasagne is often even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the lasagne but don’t bake it; wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it perfect to prepare in advance for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, typically for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For frozen lasagne, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming throughout.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this lasagne?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can substitute ground pork, turkey, or a mix for different flavors or leaner options. Each will still blend wonderfully with the béchamel and cheeses.

Do I need to pre-cook lasagne noodles?

For this recipe, yes—it’s best to boil the noodles until al dente. This ensures proper texture and layering without unexpected mushiness or dry edges.

What if I don’t have fresh béchamel sauce ingredients?

You could use a good quality store-bought béchamel or even a creamy white sauce, but making béchamel from scratch adds an unbeatable silky texture and flavor that really elevates the dish.

Can I prepare this Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it the day before and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh when you’re ready. This actually helps the flavors meld wonderfully.

How do I keep the layers from sliding apart when serving?

Resting the lasagne for about 10 minutes after baking allows the layers to set, resulting in cleaner slices that hold together beautifully on your plate.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Beef Lasagne Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony, it’s a dish worth making anytime you want to share a delicious, comforting meal with loved ones. Give it a try and cherish the smiles and happy sighs that follow every bite.