Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna

This Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna is layered with rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy béchamel, tender pasta sheets, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

🍽 Yield

Servings: 8–10

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Rest Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: About 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)

• ½ lb (225 g) Italian sausage, casings removed (optional)

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour

• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Salt and white pepper, to taste

• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions (or use oven-ready noodles)

Cheese Layer

• 3 cups (340 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup (250 g) whole milk ricotta cheese (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking up the meat as it cooks.

5. Drain excess fat if necessary.

6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

7. Add:

   • Crushed tomatoes

   • Tomato sauce

   • Italian seasoning

   • Oregano

   • Basil

   • Paprika

   • Sugar

   • Salt and pepper

8. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

9. Stir in the fresh parsley.

Step 2 – Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

3. Slowly whisk in the warm milk until smooth.

4. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.

5. Stir in:

   • Nutmeg

   • Salt

   • White pepper

   • Parmesan cheese

6. Remove from the heat.

Step 3 – Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish:

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce.

2. Add a layer of lasagna noodles.

3. Spread more meat sauce.

4. Spoon over some béchamel sauce.

5. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

6. Add small dollops of ricotta (if using).

7. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

8. Finish with:

   • Béchamel sauce

   • Mozzarella

   • Parmesan

Step 4 – Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil.

2. Bake for 40 minutes.

3. Remove the foil.

4. Bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

5. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Chef's Tips

• Simmer the meat sauce longer for a richer, deeper flavor.

• Warm the milk before making the béchamel to prevent lumps.

• Avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be just al dente.

• Let the lasagna rest before cutting to help it hold its layers.

• Freshly grate the cheese for the best melting and flavor.

Delicious Variations

Spinach Lasagna

• Add sautéed spinach between the layers.

• Use ricotta mixed with spinach and Parmesan.

Mushroom Lasagna

• Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and onions.

• Add them to the meat sauce or replace the meat entirely.

Four Cheese Lasagna

Use a blend of:

• Mozzarella

• Ricotta

• Parmesan

• Provolone

Spicy Italian Lasagna

• Use hot Italian sausage.

• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Bruschetta

• Red wine (Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon)

• Sparkling water with lemon

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–30 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 640

• Protein: 36 g

• Fat: 34 g

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 8 g

• Sodium: 890 mg

This Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna delivers layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, tender pasta, and perfectly melted cheese in every bite. It's a timeless Italian favorite that's hearty, comforting, and ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day.