This easy beef lasagna is a cozy dinner favorite! With layers of tender pasta, tasty ground beef, and creamy cheese, it’s a dish that warms the belly and the heart.
Making lasagna can feel like a fun challenge, but with this simple recipe, I just layer and bake. Bonus points for extra cheese on top—because who can resist that? 😋
I love how this dish is perfect for leftovers. It tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, making my busy weeknights a breeze. Enjoying it with a side salad is a must!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work well, but you can use no-boil noodles to save time. Just ensure you have enough sauce, as they absorb more moisture.
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for less grease. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken also works nicely, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: If you’re dairy-free, a tofu ricotta can be a great substitute. Just blend firm tofu with lemon juice and nutritional yeast to mimic ricotta’s texture and flavor.
Italian Seasoning: You can easily make your own mix with dried basil, oregano, and thyme. It’s a nice way to control the flavors to your liking!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a strong flavor punch. For a lactose-free option, try a dairy-free Parmesan, or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
What’s the Best Way to Layer Lasagna?
Layering lasagna correctly can make all the difference in taste and presentation. Start with a little sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Alternate your layers evenly, ensuring every noodle is covered for balanced flavor!
- Begin with sauce, then noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce. Repeat this until you run out of ingredients.
- Finish with a top layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and cover with cheese for a beautiful melt.
- Cover with foil to keep moisture in, and then remove during the last baking phase for a great cheese crust.
How to Make Easy Beef Lasagna?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef lasagna will take about 30 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake, plus an extra 10-15 minutes to cool down. So, you’ll need a little over an hour in total to enjoy this amazing comfort food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Noodles:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the lasagna noodles based on the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain them and set aside so they can cool slightly.
2. Cook the Beef and Sauce:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once it starts to brown, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the onion is translucent, and then drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now, stir in the marinara sauce, adding in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is nicely combined. This will be your creamy filling!
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Next, spread half of the ricotta mixture over those noodles, and then add a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese followed by another third of the meat sauce. Repeat this layering process: noodles, the remaining ricotta, another third of mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Finally, top it all off with the last 4 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing it into squares. This makes it easier to serve. Don’t forget to garnish your beautiful lasagna with fresh chopped parsley before you enjoy it warm with family and friends!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! If you prefer no-boil lasagna noodles, simply layer them dry without precooking. You may want to add a bit more sauce to ensure they cook through properly while baking.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese instead! Just blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream works well too.
How Should I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing for best results.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Lasagna?
Yes, you can easily add vegetables! Try incorporating sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the meat sauce layer. Just cook them until tender before adding, as excess moisture can make the lasagna watery.
