classic beef lasagne recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best classic beef lasagne recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my classic beef lasagne recipe that’s been a staple in our household for years. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion.

The layers of tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese are a match made in heaven. I’ve perfected this recipe over time, and it’s now a crowd-pleaser in our community.

The key to its success lies in the layering technique, which allows each flavor to shine through. The combination of ground beef, onions, and garlic creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

I like to use leaner ground beef to keep the dish relatively healthy, but you can adjust the amount according to your preference. The lasagne sheets are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when combined with the rich sauce and cheese.

I find that using fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors perfectly. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday roast – and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and buffets, where it disappears in no time! In fact, I love this recipe so much that I’ve made it for every family gathering over the years.

Classic Beef Lasagne

Classic Beef Lasagne

4.8 from 937 votes

A hearty and comforting classic beef lasagne recipe. Layers of tender pasta, rich beef sauce, and melted cheese make this a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time90 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
500g ground beef
1 can (800g) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

For Assembly

9 lasagne noodles
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add lasagne noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
6Add onion, carrots, and celery.
7Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
8Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
9Increase heat to medium-high.
10Add ground beef to the skillet.
11Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
12Drain excess fat.
13Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
14Reduce heat to low.
15Simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Set aside.
16In a mixing bowl, melt butter over medium heat.
17Whisk in flour to form a roux.
18Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
19Gradually whisk in milk, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
20Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
21Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
22Arrange a layer of cooked lasagne noodles over the sauce.
23Spread 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the béchamel sauce.
24Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
25Repeat with two more layers of noodles, meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and cheeses.
26Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
27Bake for 25 minutes.
28Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the lasagne is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
29Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
30This allows the lasagne to set and makes it easier to serve.
31Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish (9×13 inches)
Wooden spoon
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can prepare the lasagne ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from refrigerated. For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat milk in the béchamel sauce.

Watch Video Of How Classic Beef Lasagne Works

This classic beef lasagne recipe is a timeless dish that never fails to impress. It’s a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any special occasion.

The combination of tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel creates a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home and a dish that you’ll want to make again and again.

The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or entertaining, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated with ease. The leftovers are also delicious, and the flavors continue to develop over time.

Serve this classic beef lasagne with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that your family and friends will rave about. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite and a recipe that you’ll want to pass down to future generations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Lasagne

Q: What type of meat should I use for this lasagne?

I recommend using lean ground beef for this recipe, as it will cook more evenly and provide a better texture. However, you can also use other types of meat like pork or veal if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lasagne up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: How do I prevent the lasagne sheets from becoming mushy?

Cook the lasagne sheets al dente before using them in the recipe. This will help them retain their texture even after being layered with the rich sauce and cheese.

Q: Can I freeze this lasagne?

Yes, you can freeze this lasagne for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Q: What is the best way to reheat leftover lasagne?

The best way to reheat leftover lasagne is by baking it in the oven until warm and golden brown. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-second intervals until heated through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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