Description
Warm, nostalgic, and utterly comforting — this beef lasagna features layers of tender pasta, rich ragù, and creamy ricotta, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (93/7 lean)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the browned beef to a plate, set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion, and sauté for 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, dried basil, sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the creamy ricotta mixture by combining ricotta, grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, drain and lay flat.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish with a layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers and finish with a top layer of noodles and sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, allow the lasagna to rest after baking to let the layers set.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 120
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lasagna, comfort food, Italian, beef lasagna, family dinner