El-Tin-Your-Mouth Cheesy Beef Lasagna Recipe

ByRita Bennet
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Introduction

This melt-in-your-mouth cheesy beef lasagna is a comforting classic that brings family and friends together. Layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

A thick, square piece of lasagna sits on a clean white plate, showing multiple visible layers: at the bottom is smooth pasta, followed by a thick layer of rich red meat sauce with a coarse texture, then a creamy white cheese layer, and this pattern repeats three times. The top layer is browned melted cheese with some green herbs sprinkled on it, adding a fresh touch. There is some loose chopped parsley scattered around the plate for decoration. In the blurry background, another slice of the same lasagna on a white plate and a clear dish with more lasagna are placed on a wooden board, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and lay them flat to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir well and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese and egg in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
  7. Step 7: Layer noodles over the sauce, then spread some ricotta mixture on top, followed by meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and topping with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  8. Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Step 9: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set nicely.

Tips & Variations

  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • For a richer flavor, mix some shredded mozzarella into the ricotta mixture.
  • Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano if available for a brighter taste.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also freeze baked lasagna for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a thick slice of lasagna with five visible layers on a white square plate, showing alternating smooth pale yellow pasta sheets, reddish-brown meat sauce with a chunky texture, and creamy white cheese layers. The top is browned and bubbly with melted cheese covered in small green parsley flakes. In the background, there is another plate with a similar slice and a large glass baking dish filled with the rest of the lasagna, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Do I have to boil the noodles before assembling?

Traditional recipes recommend boiling noodles to avoid a chewy texture. However, no-boil noodles can be used for convenience and will soften during baking if there is enough sauce.

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El-Tin-Your-Mouth Cheesy Beef Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

This melt-in-your-mouth cheesy beef lasagna features layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef simmered in a rich marinara and crushed tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with egg, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s a cozy, comforting Italian classic perfect for family dinners.

  • Author: Rita
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

Lasagna

  • 12 lasagna noodles

Cheese Mixture and Toppings

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in a large pot of well-salted water until just al dente, tender yet holding their shape. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Stir in finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for a few minutes until soft and fragrant, filling the kitchen with a delicious aroma.
  4. Add Seasonings and Sauce: Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour in marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Let the sauce gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese and egg in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  7. Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles over sauce, then spread ricotta mixture on top, followed by more meat sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  10. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Be sure not to overcook noodles to avoid mushy layers.
  • Drain excess fat after cooking beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  • Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps maintain its structure when sliced.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added to sauce for extra flavor.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture, or part-skim to reduce fat content.

Keywords: cheesy beef lasagna, classic lasagna recipe, Italian lasagna, baked lasagna, comfort food, layered pasta dish

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