If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this baked beef lasagna is a delicious classic made from scratch. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Serve it for weeknight dinners or family gatherings — it’s always a hit!
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Baked Beef Lasagna
- Classic Italian flavor: Layers of seasoned beef, marinara, and cheese create a rich, balanced taste.
- Perfect texture: Tender noodles, creamy filling, and a golden, bubbly cheese top.
- Meal-prep friendly: Freezes and reheats beautifully for easy dinners.
🥩 Ingredients (Serves 12)
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup dry red wine or beef broth
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Cheese Filling
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 16 oz (450 g) cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
For Assembly
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- Extra mozzarella and parsley for topping
🔥 How to Make Baked Beef Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook 2 minutes. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon. Add garlic and cook another minute. Pour in red wine (or broth) and let it simmer until reduced by half. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Simmer for 7–10 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Layer
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds rich flavor and keeps your baked beef lasagna perfectly moist.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking while assembling.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Spread ½ cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9 × 13 inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish. Add 3 noodles, ⅓ of the remaining sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers once more. Finish with a layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, and mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and broil 3–5 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the baked beef lasagna rest 20–30 minutes before slicing — this helps it set beautifully.
💡 Tips for the Best Lasagna
- Use a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese for creamy layers.
- Let it rest before cutting — it keeps layers neat and intact.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or chili flakes to the meat sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your homemade baked beef lasagna with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine makes it a cozy Italian-style dinner.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
For more about classic Italian dishes and traditional pasta techniques, check out the BBC Good Food Italian Recipe Collection.
Looking for more comforting dinners? Explore our Dinner Recipes and Appetizers on DeliloFood.com.
💬 Final Thoughts
This baked beef lasagna recipe is the perfect comfort dish — hearty, cheesy, and full of love in every bite. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Every layer melts together into the ultimate homemade comfort food.