Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna

Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like a freshly baked lasagna. With its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and a golden, bubbly top, this Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna is a recipe worth savoring. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner, impressive enough for guests, and comforting enough to make any day feel special. The slow-simmered sauce, balanced with herbs and spices, marries perfectly with the creamy ricotta mixture and gooey mozzarella, creating a dish that’s both timeless and irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or hot, to taste)

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• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

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• 1/2 cup water

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

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• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese

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• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Stir in sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop flavor.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the mozzarella cheese, and a generous layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake:
   Cover with foil (to prevent sticking, lightly spray the foil with cooking spray so it doesn’t cling to the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

5. Rest and Serve:
   Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Serving Tip:
Pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Conclusion
This Classic Homemade Beef Lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of layered flavors and textures that bring warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or any day you want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this lasagna will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.