El-Tin-Your-Mouth Cheesy Beef Lasagna Recipe
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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese and egg in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- 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.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- 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
