simple beef lasagne recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple beef lasagne recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my simple beef lasagna recipe, a family favorite that never fails to impress. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. The combination of tender beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese is absolute perfection.

My kids love helping me assemble the layers, and it’s always a fun activity for them to learn about the different ingredients and cooking techniques involved. As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit any occasion. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this lasagna is sure to please.

Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like lean beef, fresh vegetables, and whole-wheat pasta. But what really sets this recipe apart is its rich history. Lasagna originated in Italy, where it was known as ‘lasanum’ – a dish made with wide flat noodles, meat ragu, and ricotta cheese.

Over time, the recipe has evolved and been adapted by various cultures around the world. One of the key techniques involved in making this lasagna is layering the ingredients in a specific order. You want to start with a layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, followed by a layer of noodles, then a layer of meat sauce, and so on.

This helps to create a beautiful presentation and ensures that every bite is full of flavor. In addition to being delicious and easy to make, this lasagna is also surprisingly healthy. By using lean beef and plenty of vegetables, you can feel good about serving it to your family or guests.

So go ahead and give this simple beef lasagna recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! I’ve been making this dish for years now, and my kids love helping me assemble the layers, it’s always fun for them to learn about the different ingredients and cooking techniques involved.

Simple Beef Lasagne

4.7 from 753 votes

A comforting classic, this simple beef lasagne features layers of tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

500g ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (800g) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Layer

2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Lasagne

9 lasagne noodles
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
3Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4Drain excess fat.
5Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook with the beef until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
7Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
8Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
9While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
10Add 2 tbsp of olive oil to the water.
11Add the lasagne noodles to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
12Drain and set aside.
13In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
Mix well.
14Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
15Arrange a layer of cooked lasagne noodles over the sauce.
16Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-third of the remaining meat sauce and one-third of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
17Repeat with two more layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese, ending with a layer of mozzarella on top.
18Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
19Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
20Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing it to set and making it easier to cut and serve.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Large pot
Baking dish
Oven
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a quicker version, use no-boil lasagne noodles and follow the package instructions. Add a layer of fresh spinach or other vegetables for extra nutrition.

One of my favorite things about this simple beef lasagna recipe is how versatile it is – perfect for any occasion whether you are having family gatherings or just want something simple for your weeknight dinner!

It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like lean beef, fresh vegetables, and whole-wheat pasta which makes everyone happy!

The dish freezes beautifully too, making it ideal for meal prep or storing leftovers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Lasagne

What type of meat works best in this lasagna recipe?

In this recipe, I use ground beef because it’s leaner than other cuts of meat and cooks quickly. However, you can substitute ground turkey or pork if you prefer. The key is to choose a lean cut of meat that will cook evenly throughout.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Sure thing!

h4>What kind of cheese should I use?

I recommend using mozzarella cheese for its creamy texture and mild flavor.

h4>How long does it take to make this lasagna?

This recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare, assembling the layers can take some time, as well as cooking time.

h4>Can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?

Naturally! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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