Classic Beef Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce

Classic Beef Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—layered pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Unlike tomato-based lasagna recipes alone, the addition of silky béchamel sauce creates a luxurious creaminess that perfectly balances the savory meat and tangy tomato flavors.

I love this recipe because it’s indulgent yet wholesome. Each layer is a symphony of textures and flavors: tender pasta sheets, hearty beef sauce with aromatic vegetables, creamy béchamel, and gooey mozzarella topping.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: Beef sauce combined with béchamel creates a luxurious texture and taste.
• Comforting: The layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese make it deeply satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Feels like restaurant-quality lasagna, but easy to make at home.
• Versatile: Can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated with excellent results.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Italian comfort food at its finest.
• Creamy béchamel makes it decadent and smooth.
• Perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners.
• Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day.
• Balanced layers of pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese make every bite satisfying.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
• Course: Main course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Beef Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk, warmed
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 9–12 lasagna sheets (no-boil or boiled as per instructions)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Beef Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened (5–7 minutes).
   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in warm milk to avoid lumps.
   • Cook for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Spread a thin layer of beef sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Add a layer of lasagna sheets.
   • Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the pasta.
   • Add another layer of beef sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella.
   • Repeat layers (pasta → béchamel → beef → mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
   • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Allow lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light red wine, like Chianti, for an authentic Italian experience.
• Perfect as a main dish for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions.

Recipe Tips

• Use no-boil lasagna sheets for convenience or boil sheets in salted water until al dente if using regular pasta.
• Simmer beef sauce to reduce liquid and enhance flavor.
• Gradually whisk milk into the béchamel to avoid lumps.
• Allow lasagna to rest after baking to make slicing cleaner.
• Top with extra Parmesan for a golden, cheesy crust.

Variations

• Vegetable Lasagna: Replace beef with layers of roasted zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
• White Chicken Lasagna: Use shredded cooked chicken and béchamel only for a lighter version.
• Spicy Beef Lasagna: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef sauce.
• Four Cheese Lasagna: Layer ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère with béchamel.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and flour substitute in béchamel.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled, uncooked lasagna for up to 2 months; bake from frozen adding 10–15 minutes to baking time.
• Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet for beef sauce
• Medium saucepan for béchamel
• Whisk for béchamel
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate 1 day ahead, then bake just before serving.

Q2: Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage?
A: Yes, turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage works well.

Q3: Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of making beef sauce?
A: Yes, but homemade sauce provides richer, deeper flavor.

Q4: Can I freeze cooked lasagna?
A: Yes, cut into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace beef with roasted vegetables or a combination of spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.

Conclusion

Classic Beef Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce is the ultimate comfort food: rich, creamy, and layered with flavors that are perfect for any occasion. With tender pasta sheets, a hearty beef sauce, luxurious béchamel, and a golden cheese topping, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prep, this lasagna guarantees satisfaction, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves classic Italian cuisine.