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The Best Homemade Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella

A thick, cheesy slice of lasagna with rich meat sauce and melted mozzarella on a white plate.
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You can make a truly unforgettable lasagna that gets rave reviews from your whole family. This recipe for indulgent classic beef lasagna gives you the satisfying, rich layers you want with simple steps. It is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles (about 12 sheets)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (use your favorite jarred sauce for easy prep)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  5. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently while you prepare the cheese mixture.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well until smooth. This is your creamy ricotta filling.
  7. Begin layering the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange one layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  11. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  13. Top with the final layer of noodles. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top.
  14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
  15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  16. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before you slice and serve it. This helps the layers set.

Notes

  • For an even easier weeknight meal, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Adjust the liquid in your sauce slightly if you use them, as they absorb more moisture during baking.
  • You can prepare this entire lasagna ahead of time. Assemble it completely, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • If you want a richer flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with ground Italian sausage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/best-homemade-classic-beef-lasagna-recipe/