Classic Beef and Cheese Lasagna
Layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese—this is the lasagna your kitchen was made for.
When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that please a crowd, nothing beats a classic lasagna. This Beef and Cheese Lasagna is built from simple, time-tested ingredients layered into one rich, savory masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this dish delivers every time.
Why I Love This Recipe
Lasagna is one of those dishes that feels like home. The smell alone—simmering meat sauce, bubbling cheese, and that hint of oregano—is enough to make mouths water. I especially love this recipe because it combines both marinara and crushed tomatoes, giving the sauce a rich, complex depth, and it uses three kinds of cheese for maximum flavor and texture. It’s also freezer-friendly, which means you can prep once and enjoy multiple times.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 additional cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Noodles
Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3️⃣ Make the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parsley, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
4️⃣ Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer 4 noodles across the sauce, then spread with ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, followed by ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce.
Repeat this process two more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
5️⃣ Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan evenly over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the rest time! It helps the lasagna set and slice cleanly.
- Use no-boil noodles if you’re short on time, but adjust sauce moisture accordingly.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
- For added richness, stir a tablespoon of cream or butter into the finished sauce.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make it a full Italian-inspired dinner with these perfect pairings:
- This Blueberry Lemonade for a tart and refreshing contrast
- This Beer Cheese Dip as a game-day starter
- This Instant Pot Lasagna for a faster weeknight version
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo if you’re craving another comfort classic
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs for a decadent dessert
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Classic Beef and Cheese Lasagna is a go-to comfort dish for so many. It’s warm, cheesy, satisfying, and rich in tradition. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, this version brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table.
Tried it? Tag me on your socials and share how you layered it up! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more crowd-pleasing meals like this one.
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