Introduction

Cheesy Beef Lasagna with Homemade Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—layered with tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses. This lasagna is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave a filling, satisfying meal. Making it with a homemade sauce elevates the dish with deep, rich flavors that store-bought sauces simply can’t match.

Every bite of this lasagna delivers a perfect balance of tender noodles, savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a recipe that fills the home with irresistible aromas while creating a meal that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s classic, comforting, and customizable. The homemade sauce adds an extra layer of richness that elevates the dish, and the combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan makes every bite gooey, creamy, and indulgent. It’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing, bringing people together around the dinner table. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and hearty.
• Homemade Flavor: Sauce made from scratch enhances the taste.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults love it alike.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to scale up for large gatherings.
• Versatile: Can be made ahead of time or frozen for later.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories: ~480–500 calories per serving (approximate)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Homemade Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Lasagna

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (uncooked or no-boil)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the homemade tomato sauce with beef and seasonings.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Mix ricotta with egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
5. Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Let rest before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Sauce
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
   • Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar.
   • Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
2. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture
   • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
   • Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer 3–4 noodles on top.
   • Spread one-third of ricotta mixture over noodles.
   • Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella over ricotta.
   • Spread another layer of sauce.
   • Repeat layers (noodles → ricotta → mozzarella → sauce) until ingredients are used.
   • Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake
   • Cover with foil (to prevent sticking, spray foil lightly with cooking spray).
   • Bake for 25 minutes, remove foil, and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Rest and Serve
   • Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian dinner experience.
• Excellent for family gatherings or special occasions.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use no-boil noodles to save time.
• Let lasagna rest before cutting to keep it from falling apart.
• Make ahead: assemble the lasagna a day before and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Variations

• Vegetable Lasagna: Replace beef with roasted vegetables.
• Spicy Lasagna: Add extra red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
• Cheesy Lovers: Add extra mozzarella or provolone layers.
• White Lasagna: Use béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce for a creamy variation.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled (before baking) or cooked lasagna in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight if frozen. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet (for sauce)
• Medium mixing bowl (for ricotta mixture)
• Whisk or fork (for egg and ricotta)
• Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.

Q3: How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra layer of mozzarella or sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking.

Q4: Can I freeze the lasagna after baking?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil or use an airtight container. Reheat in oven until heated through.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Lasagna with Homemade Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect blend of tender noodles, rich tomato-beef sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a dish that warms the soul, pleases the whole family, and can be customized to your liking. Easy to prepare, hearty, and delicious, this lasagna is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves classic Italian flavors in a satisfying, cheesy package.