Cheesy Beef Lasagna with Homemade Sauce
Dive into layers of comfort with this irresistible Cheesy Beef Lasagna with Homemade Sauce a hearty, flavor-packed classic that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Tender pasta sheets are layered with rich, slow-simmered beef sauce, creamy cheese, and a perfectly seasoned homemade tomato base that brings everything together in every delicious bite.
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Preheat Oven : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Cheese Mixture : In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Lasagna : Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-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.
- 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.
- Rest and Serve : Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.