Classic Lasagna with Ground Beef

Few dishes evoke the warmth, comfort, and soul-satisfying richness of a homemade Classic Lasagna with Ground Beef. This iconic Italian-American casserole is a celebration of hearty layers—tender lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and the irresistible aroma of herbs and tomatoes baked to perfection. Whether prepared for cozy Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, or a special family feast, lasagna brings a sense of tradition and home-cooked love unmatched by most dishes.

Lasagna is more than just food—it's an experience. As it bakes, the layers meld into one glorious harmony of flavors and textures. Each bite offers the perfect balance of meaty goodness, cheesy indulgence, and pasta comfort. When you pull it out of the oven bubbling and golden, it becomes instantly clear why this classic has remained a beloved favorite for generations.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything wonderful about classic comfort food. The meat sauce is rich and hearty, the cheese layers creamy and decadent, and the tender pasta sheets tie everything together in a warm embrace of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes a house feel like a home.

I also love that lasagna is deeply customizable and forgiving, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. It can be prepared ahead, travels beautifully for potlucks, and reheats like a dream. Every time I make it, it brings joy—both in the kitchen and at the table.

Why It's a Must-Try Dish

This lasagna is a must-try because:

• It’s a complete, satisfying meal—hearty, filling, and balanced.
• It impresses guests with its beautiful layers and rich flavor.
• It freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeks.
• The flavors get better over time, meaning leftovers taste fantastic.
• It combines essential Italian-American techniques: simmering sauce, layering ingredients, and baking to perfection.

If you’ve never made homemade lasagna before, this recipe is the perfect place to start.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

(A bit longer with resting time, but worth every minute!)

• Servings: 8
• Calories: Approximately 620 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Quick Directions

1. Make meat sauce by browning beef, adding tomatoes, herbs, and simmering.
2. Mix ricotta with egg, Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente (skip if using oven-ready).
4. Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and repeat.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden.
6. Rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking into small pieces.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, basil, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, and sugar.
8. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes until thick and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

9. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
10. Mix until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

11. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
12. Cook noodles until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
13. Drain and lay flat on parchment to prevent sticking.
    (Skip this if using oven-ready noodles.)

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

14. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
15. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
16. Add the first layer of noodles (3–4 noodles).
17. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
18. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella.
19. Add 1–1½ cups meat sauce.
20. Repeat layers until ingredients are used (usually 3 layers).
21. Finish with noodles → meat sauce → mozzarella → Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

22. Cover with foil (sprayed with oil so it won’t stick).
23. Bake 25 minutes covered.
24. Remove foil and bake 20–25 minutes uncovered until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest

25. Let lasagna rest 15 minutes before slicing (important for clean layers).

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve hot slices of lasagna with:

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• A crisp Caesar salad or garden salad
• A sprinkling of extra Parmesan

For a restaurant-style presentation:
Slice lasagna cleanly and spoon a little extra warm sauce over the top, then garnish with basil.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Let it rest before slicing—this ensures neat, even layers.
• Use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella for best texture.
• Simmer sauce longer for deeper flavor.
• Don’t overcook noodles or they may tear during assembly.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to ricotta for a classic Italian touch.
• Cover with foil early to prevent overly browning the top.

Variations

1. Meat Lovers’ Lasagna

Add Italian sausage or ground pork with the beef.

2. Vegetable Lasagna

Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini layers.

3. Four-Cheese Lasagna

Add provolone, asiago, or fontina to the cheese blend.

4. White Sauce Lasagna

Replace tomato sauce with béchamel for a creamy twist.

5. Spicy Lasagna

Add extra chili flakes or hot Italian sausage.

6. Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free noodles and double-check sauces.

Freezing & Storage Time

Refrigerator

• Store leftovers for 3–4 days.
• Reheat in microwave or oven (covered to prevent drying).

Freezer

Lasagna freezes beautifully!

• Freeze cooked lasagna for up to 3 months.
• Freeze uncooked assembled lasagna for up to 3 months (best option).
• Wrap entire dish tightly in foil + plastic wrap.

To Reheat Frozen Lasagna

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes if frozen.
• Thaw overnight for quicker reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet or pot
• Mixing bowls
• Large pot for boiling noodles
• Aluminum foil
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Classic Lasagna with Ground Beef is a timeless dish that brings comfort, flavor, and happiness to any table. Its hearty layers of ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses come together in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special celebration or simply treating your family to a delicious home-cooked meal, this lasagna guarantees satisfaction and smiles. It’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again—comforting, filling, and full of love.