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.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

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

Method

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.