Ultimate Classic Beef Lasagna

This rich and cheesy homemade beef lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of tender lasagna noodles are stacked with a hearty Italian meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• ½ lb (225g) Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Béchamel (White Sauce)

• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3½ cups whole milk, warmed
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cheese Layer

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart.
5. Drain excess fat if necessary.
6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
8. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Stir in fresh parsley.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth.
4. Cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Season with garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer:

• Thin layer of meat sauce
• Lasagna noodles
• Meat sauce
• Béchamel sauce
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.

Step 4: Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
• Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips

• Simmer the meat sauce longer for a richer flavor.
• Freshly grate the mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
• Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it hold its shape.
• Prepare it a day ahead—the flavor is even better the next day.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Italian green salad