classic beef lasagne recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best classic beef lasagne recipe

Classic beef lasagna is a staple in many Italian households, and for good reason. This hearty dish has been passed down through generations, and its rich flavors and textures are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

I remember my mother making this recipe for family gatherings and special occasions, and it was always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese is a match made in heaven.

As a busy mom myself, I appreciate that this recipe is easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd on the weekends. My kids love helping me assemble the layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, and it’s become a fun family activity that we all enjoy together.

Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or packing lunches for school. Over time, I’ve tweaked this recipe to suit our family’s tastes, but it still remains a comforting classic that never fails to hit the spot.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or just a regular Tuesday dinner, this classic beef lasagna is sure to become a staple in your household just like it has in mine.

Classic Beef Lasagne

4.5 from 1724 votes

A comforting classic lasagne with layers of pasta, rich beef ragù and creamy béchamel sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time90 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 0 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Béchamel Sauce

1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Beef Ragu

1 lb ground beef
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 can tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

9 lasagne noodles
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3Add lasagne noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5For the béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
6Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
7Cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns light brown.
8Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
9Add salt, pepper and nutmeg.
10Stir well and remove from heat.
11For the beef ragu, heat a skillet over medium heat.
12Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
13Add onion and garlic, cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
14Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
15Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
16Spread a thin layer of beef ragu on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
17Arrange a layer of cooked lasagne noodles over the sauce.
18Spread 1/3 of the béchamel sauce over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the remaining beef ragu.
19Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
20Repeat layering two more times, ending with a layer of cheese.
21Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
22Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
23Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
24Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
25This allows the lasagne to set and makes it easier to serve.
26Enjoy your classic beef lasagne.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also add spinach or other vegetables to the beef ragu for extra nutrition.

One of my favorite things about this classic beef lasagna recipe is how well it stores and reheats. You can make it up to two days in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve.

When reheating leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat them in individual portions using your oven’s ‘reheat’ setting until hot throughout. This dish also makes an excellent candidate for meal prep – simply assemble all the layers in individual containers and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Lasagne

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this classic beef lasagna recipe, you’ll want to use wide flat noodles such as lasagna noodles or wide egg noodles. These types of pasta hold up well to the rich meat sauce and don’t break easily when layered with the cheese.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer or if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be aware that the flavor profile may be slightly different and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from getting too browned during baking?

A: To prevent the cheese from browning too much during baking, you can cover the dish with foil for most of the cooking time and then remove it for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by assembling all the layers up to a day in advance and then baking it just before serving. This is especially helpful if you’re planning a large gathering or event where you’ll need to feed a crowd quickly.

Q: What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

A: For this classic beef lasagna recipe, you’ll want to use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for the best flavor results. The mozzarella will melt beautifully during baking while the parmesan adds a salty depth of flavor that complements the beef perfectly.

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