Classic Cheesy Beef Lasagna

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a classic cheesy beef lasagna. This mouthwatering dish, with layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and a generous amount of melted cheese, is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a dinner party, or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a lasagna masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh basil, fresh parsley, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring the entire surface is covered.

Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce, slightly overlapping each noodle. Spread half of the cheese filling over the noodles, followed by a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and a third of the grated Parmesan cheese.

Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by another layer of noodles, the remaining cheese filling, and another third of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Repeat the layering process one more time, ending with a final layer of meat sauce, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Once baked, let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to cut into neat portions.

Serve the classic cheesy beef lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Variations

While the classic cheesy beef lasagna recipe is already delicious, you can always add your own twist to make it even more exciting:

• Vegetable Lasagna: Add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the meat sauce or cheese filling.
• Seafood Lasagna: Replace the ground beef with shrimp, crab, or a combination of seafood for a delightful seafood twist.
• Spicy Lasagna: Add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the meat sauce.

Tips

• Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time and skip the step of boiling the noodles.
• Allow the lasagna to rest before serving to ensure the layers set and hold their shape.
• Prepare the meat sauce and cheese filling in advance to streamline the assembly process.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone, for unique flavor combinations.

Conclusion

The classic cheesy beef lasagna is a timeless recipe that never fails to impress. With its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any gathering. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own variations, this lasagna will always be a crowd favorite. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness that is a homemade classic cheesy beef lasagna!

FAQs

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

2. How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze lasagna?

Absolutely! Lasagna freezes well. After assembling the lasagna, cover it with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and bake as directed.