Beef Lasagna Recipe: Easy Dinner Recipes

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor. This three-cheese lasagna recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep. Follow along as we break down the steps to creating the best homemade lasagna that beats any restaurant version hands down.


Why You’ll Love This Lasagna

  • Packed with flavor: A rich, beefy sauce paired with three kinds of cheese.
  • Easy to make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this foolproof.
  • Great for meal prep: It refrigerates and freezes well for future meals.

Let’s dive into the process of making this cheesy masterpiece!


Step 1: Preparing the Pasta

To start, cook the lasagna noodles to al dente in a large pot of salted water. Cooking them until they are firm to the bite is key since they will continue to soften while baking. Once done, drain the noodles and add cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

Pro Tip: Stir a little olive oil into the cold water to keep the noodles separate.

Step 2: Making the Meat Sauce

A good lasagna starts with an amazing meat sauce. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup red wine (or beef broth as a substitute)
  • 24 oz (3 cups) marinara sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp parsley

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until the beef is browned.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in the red wine (or beef broth) and let it cook down until mostly evaporated.
  5. Add the marinara sauce, seasonings, and parsley. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes while you prepare the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Making the Cheese Filling

The secret to a creamy, cheesy lasagna is the perfect blend of cheeses.

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cottage cheese
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella.
  2. Add the egg and chopped parsley.
  3. Stir until everything is well combined.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.

Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna

Now comes the fun part—layering all the ingredients together!

Assembly Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  3. Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  4. Spread 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce evenly over the noodles.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
  6. Spoon on half of the cheese mixture and spread evenly.
  7. Repeat this layering process until you have three full layers of noodles.
  8. Top the final layer of noodles with the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Baking the Lasagna

Tips for a Perfect Bake:

  • Cover the dish with foil before baking to prevent excessive browning.
  • Use toothpicks to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese.

Baking Instructions:

  1. Bake covered at 375°F for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  3. Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing much easier.

Serving & Garnishing

Once your lasagna is set, slice into it and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Garnishing Ideas:

  • Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
  • Add a dash of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
  • Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

Pro Tip: Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts 

This Three-Cheese Lasagna is truly a family favorite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and better than any restaurant version! Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.

Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe for more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes.

Happy cooking! 🍽️

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