Elt-in-Your-Mouth Cheesy Beef Lasagna Recipe
This melt-in-your-mouth cheesy beef lasagna is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce made with ground beef and herbs, creamy ricotta cheese, and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden, bubbling perfection, this hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 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
Pasta
- 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: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them until al dente—tender yet still holding their shape. Drain the noodles and lay them flat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Mix the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and the egg until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles over the sauce, then spread some ricotta mixture, followed by meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after baking to set before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For easier slicing, allow the lasagna to rest and set for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- To reduce prep time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture or part-skim for lighter option.
Keywords: cheesy beef lasagna, baked lasagna, comfort food, Italian dinner, layered pasta dish
