Homemade Beef Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, and sugar.
Season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles (if needed)
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then add a layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layering process two more times.
Finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce, then top with the reserved mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!
