Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

🍝 Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

A rich and comforting classic beef lasagna with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Recipe Category: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6–8 servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet

• Medium saucepan

• Baking dish (9x13 inch)

• Whisk

• Spatula

• Aluminum foil

• Knife and cutting board

 Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 700 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp ground sweet paprika

• 300 g tomato sauce

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 50 g butter

• 60 g all-purpose flour

• 600 ml milk

• Salt, to taste

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For Assembling:

• 200 g lasagne sheets

• 200 g grated mozzarella cheese (or more, to taste)

 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, 6–8 minutes.

5. Stir in celery, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika.

6. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.

7. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Whisk in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes to form a roux.

3. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

4. Season with salt and nutmeg.

5. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

6. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).

2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.

3. Layer with lasagna sheets, meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and mozzarella.

4. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous layer of béchamel sauce and remaining cheese.

5. Cover with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 25 minutes covered with foil.

2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

3. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to set the layers.

 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a fresh green salad and balsamic vinaigrette.

• Pair with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation.

 Tips & Tricks:

• Meat Variation: For a richer flavor, combine ground beef and pork.

• Resting Time: Let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Adjust baking time if chilled.

 Storage & Reheating:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 180°C (355°F) until heated through.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~520 kcal

• Protein: 27g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fat: 25g

• Fiber: 4g

• Calcium: 18% DV

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Ultimate comfort food with rich, savory layers.

• Easy to make ahead for busy weeknights or special occasions.

• Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Recipe Variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and flour for the béchamel.

• Vegetarian: Swap meat sauce for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.

• Low Carb: Use zucchini slices in place of lasagna sheets for a keto-friendly version.

Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

A rich and comforting classic beef lasagna with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Baking dish (9x13 inch)
• whisk
• spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 700 g ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 fresh tomatoes chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp ground sweet paprika
• 300 g tomato sauce

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 50 g butter
• 60 g all-purpose flour
• 600 ml milk
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For Assembling:

• 200 g lasagne sheets
• 200 g grated mozzarella cheese or more, to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Brown the ground beef, then add celery, tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
• Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking. Season with salt and nutmeg. Cook until thickened.
• Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer with lasagna sheets, meat sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with béchamel and cheese.
• Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Storage & Reheating:

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.