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A freshly baked tray of savory beef lasagna with melted cheese on top

Beef Lasagna

This recipe provides a proven way to make the best beef lasagna, layering rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk warm
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Other
  • 12 lasagna noodles oven-ready
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Meat Sauce
  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Béchamel Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly.
  2. Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by béchamel sauce, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel and both cheeses.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
  4. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For best results, prepare the meat sauce a day in advance as the flavors deepen overnight. You can also add a touch of red wine to the meat sauce for extra richness. If using traditional lasagna noodles, boil them according to package directions before assembly.