Classic Hearty Beef Lasagna

Name: Classic Hearty Beef Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Olive oil; 1.5 lbs Ground beef (80/20 lean); 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 28 oz can Crushed tomatoes; 6 oz can Tomato paste; 1 tsp Dried oregano; 1 tsp Dried basil; 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup Beef broth; Salt and black pepper To taste; 12-15 Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular, cooked al dente); 15 oz Ricotta cheese; 1 large Egg; 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 4 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup Unsalted butter; 1/4 cup All-purpose flour; 3 cups Whole milk, warmed; Pinch Nutmeg

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This comforting lasagna is a staple for family dinners, offering a harmonious blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures. Our recipe features a slow-simmered beef ragu, a smooth béchamel, and a generous mix of cheeses, creating a truly decadent and memorable meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd during colder months.

speichern

Prep Time30 min

Cook Time60 min

Servings8 servings

DifficultyMedium

Equipment

9x13 inch baking dishLarge pot or Dutch ovenMedium saucepanMixing bowlsWhisk

Instructions

1
Prepare the Beef Ragu: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
2
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, until smooth and lump-free. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
3
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. In another bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
4
Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of beef ragu evenly over the bottom of the dish. Lay 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce (trimming if necessary to fit). Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with about 1.5 cups of beef ragu, followed by a generous layer of the mozzarella/Parmesan cheese blend. Drizzle about 1/3 of the béchamel sauce over the cheese.
5
Repeat the layering: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, beef ragu, mozzarella/Parmesan, béchamel. Place the final layer of noodles, then cover with the remaining beef ragu, béchamel sauce, and a final generous sprinkle of mozzarella/Parmesan cheese.
6
Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.

Nutrition

Calories650 kcal

Protein45g

Fat38g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze leftover lasagna?

Absolutely! Cooked and cooled lasagna freezes very well. Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen (covered) until heated through.

What kind of noodles should I use?

You can use either traditional lasagna noodles (boil them al dente according to package directions before assembly) or oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles. If using oven-ready, ensure your sauces are moist enough to cook the noodles properly.

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RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.