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Classic Beef Lasagna: Foolproof 6-Step Comfort Dinner Everyone Loves First Image

Classic Lasagna


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A delicious and hearty classic lasagna recipe that layers noodles, beef, cheese, and marinara.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until just tender. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking. Tip: Slightly firm noodles finish cooking perfectly in the oven.
  2. Prepare the Beef Sauce: Sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, then ground beef and cook until browned. Drain fat. Tip: Draining excess fat keeps layers clean and balanced.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir marinara sauce into beef and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Tip: Simmering thickens the sauce and prevents watery lasagna.
  4. Mix Ricotta Filling: Combine ricotta and egg until smooth. Tip: The egg helps the lasagna slice cleanly.
  5. Assemble the Layers: Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and repeat. Finish with sauce and cheeses. Tip: Thin, even layers bake more evenly.
  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more. Tip: Removing foil late allows golden cheese without drying.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Tip: Resting helps layers set firmly.

Notes

  • This lasagna can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just add additional cooking time to heat through.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg