Traditional Beef Lasagna with Layers of Cheese and Sauce

Introduction

Few dishes embody the comfort and warmth of Italian cuisine quite like Traditional Beef Lasagna. With rich layers of flavorful beef sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets — this dish is the epitome of a classic family meal. The combination of tender noodles, hearty meat sauce, and melted cheese creates a culinary harmony that’s irresistible.

Lasagna originated in Italy, but it has since become a beloved staple in kitchens all over the world. Whether served for Sunday dinner, holidays, or special gatherings, this dish always brings people together around the table.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this lasagna because it captures everything I adore about home-cooked comfort food — it’s rich, savory, creamy, and deeply satisfying. The aroma of the simmering tomato meat sauce fills the kitchen, making it impossible to wait for that first bite. Each layer builds on the last, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish — you can prepare it in advance, refrigerate or freeze it, and simply bake when ready to serve. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; everyone from kids to adults goes for seconds!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This lasagna is a must-try because it’s:

• A true classic that never goes out of style.
• Customizable — you can add vegetables, different cheeses, or even switch to turkey or plant-based meat.
• Perfect for gatherings — it feeds a crowd easily.
• Comforting and wholesome, making it ideal for cozy nights in.
• Visually impressive, yet surprisingly easy to make once you follow the steps.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: Approximately 500–550 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the meat sauce by sautéing onions, garlic, and ground beef until browned. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer.
2. Mix the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and seasoning to make the cheese mixture.
3. Boil lasagna noodles if using regular ones.
4. Assemble in layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, mozzarella — repeat.
5. Bake until bubbling and golden.
6. Rest, slice, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil noodles in salted water according to package instructions.
2. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
   (Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.)

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
5. Add ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese and a layer of meat sauce.
6. Repeat the layers two more times (noodles → ricotta → mozzarella → sauce).
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover with foil (to prevent sticking, spray foil with cooking spray).
2. Bake for 25 minutes covered.
3. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Let lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing — this helps it set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
• Pair with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a glass of red wine.
• A sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving enhances the flavor beautifully.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the resting time; it helps the layers hold together.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Make the meat sauce a day ahead to save time and deepen flavors.
• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for richness.

Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace beef with spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables.
• White Lasagna: Use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce with chicken or spinach.
• Spicy Lasagna: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian sausage for heat.
• Four-Cheese Lasagna: Add provolone, fontina, or gouda for a cheesy twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble lasagna, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Freezing (Baked): Cool completely, wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Foil for covering
• Sharp knife for slicing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta. It gives a lighter texture and mild flavor.

Q2: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

Q3: How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Simmer the sauce until thick, drain noodles well, and let the lasagna rest after baking.

Q4: Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, just make sure your sauce is a bit saucier to properly hydrate the noodles while baking.

Conclusion

Traditional Beef Lasagna with Layers of Cheese and Sauce is a timeless recipe that combines rich flavors, comforting textures, and a satisfying finish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a festive occasion, or a cozy weekend meal, this dish delivers every time. Its layers of love, care, and tradition make it one of the most cherished comfort foods in the world — and once you make it from scratch, you’ll understand why.