Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe – Rich, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor

Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods worldwide, and for good reason. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese come together in a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep. This Classic Beef Lasagna recipe delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors — from the tender pasta sheets to the savory meat sauce and gooey cheese topping.

If you’re looking for a filling, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please, this recipe is exactly what you need. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Beef Lasagna recipe)?

 Rich and Savory: A perfectly seasoned meat sauce combined with creamy béchamel and cheese.
 Perfect Texture: Tender pasta sheets layered with rich sauce and melted cheese.
 Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully.
 Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for family gatherings or potlucks.

 Servings: 6–8

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 50 minutes
      Difficulty: Medium

 Ingredients

A – For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 28 oz (800g) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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B – For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warm)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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C – For Assembly:

• 12 oven-ready lasagna sheets (or cooked according to package instructions)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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 Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
6. Let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in flavor.

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2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
3. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Season with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste.

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3. Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
4. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the pasta sheets, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel and a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.

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4. Bake:

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	580 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fat	29 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	720 mg

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 Health Benefits and Dietary Insights

High Protein: The ground beef and cheese provide a high-quality protein source for muscle growth and repair.
Rich in Calcium: The béchamel sauce and cheese contribute to bone health.
Balanced Carbs: The pasta sheets provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Vitamin Boost: The tomatoes and vegetables offer vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and eye health.

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 Tips for Enhancing the Recipe

 Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
 Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
 Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce for a richer depth of flavor.
 Cheese Variations: Try mixing ricotta cheese into the béchamel for extra creaminess.
 Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for added heat.

 Related Recipes:

👉 Looking for more comforting Italian dishes? Try our Spaghetti Carbonara.

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 Why This Lasagna Recipe Works

This Beef Lasagna recipe combines rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese to create a perfect bite every time. The flavors meld beautifully during baking, creating a balanced and comforting dish. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!

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 Give It a Try!

Now that you have the recipe for the perfect Classic Beef Lasagna, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy one of the most satisfying comfort foods ever. Don’t forget to share your results and tag us — we’d love to see your creation! ❤️

Imagine cutting into a warm, cheesy slice of lasagna — layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This is the kind of comfort food you’ve been craving!

Try this Classic Beef Lasagna recipe today – quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!