Name: Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content); 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 24 oz marinara sauce (3 cups); 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground; 1/4 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped; 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente; 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese; 15 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish; 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 69 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a big hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want something hearty, cheesy, and well-layered with rich meat sauce. Seriously, it’s fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step so you nail this lasagna every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Layers: The combination of savory meat sauce and creamy cheese sauce creates the perfect harmony in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with fresh touches like parsley and garlic, making it approachable yet flavorful.
Time-tested Technique: Layering and baking with toothpicks prevents soggy tops—little tricks that make a big difference.
Crowd Pleaser: It’s hearty and filling enough to serve 12 slices, perfect for family and friends gatherings.

Classic Beef Lasagna, beef lasagna recipe, hearty lasagna, cheesy baked pasta, family dinner lasagna - A white rectangular baking dish holds a thick lasagna with about five layers visible; the bottom layer is flat orange pasta sheets, followed by a rich dark brown meat sauce, then another layer of pasta, meat sauce, and a top layer covered in melted golden cheese with brown spots. Small bits of fresh green parsley are sprinkled evenly on top, adding a fresh touch. The dish sits on a red and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe is built on ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The beef with just the right fat content keeps the sauce juicy and savory, while the duo of cottage and ricotta cheeses lends creamy richness without feeling heavy.

Classic Beef Lasagna, beef lasagna recipe, hearty lasagna, cheesy baked pasta, family dinner lasagna - Flat lay of fresh ground beef in a neat mound, one medium diced onion in small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with dry red wine, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with bright red marinara sauce, a small white bowl containing coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl holding dried thyme, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, fresh parsley sprigs, nine cooked al dente flat rectangular lasagna noodles neatly stacked, a simple white ceramic bowl with creamy low-fat cottage cheese, a simple white ceramic bowl with smooth reduced fat ricotta cheese, one large whole uncracked egg with clean shell, a small white bowl holding shredded mozzarella cheese, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: I use beef around 15-20% fat because it gives the sauce body without being greasy.
Onion & garlic: These aromatics build that familiar comforting flavor base.
Dry red wine or beef broth: Adds depth and a little acidity that brightens the meat sauce.
Marinara sauce: Using a quality jar makes life easier and keeps this recipe quick.
Lasagna noodles: Cooked al dente so they hold their shape without turning mushy in the oven.
Cottage cheese & ricotta: The combo delivers creaminess and texture—plus, using lower-fat versions lightens the dish.
Mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty topping everyone loves.
Egg: Helps bind the cheese sauce, so it doesn’t spread out too much when baking.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the richness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe my own depending on the mood or occasion. You totally can too—don’t be shy to swap or add in your favorites.

Vegetable boost: Sometimes, I sneak in chopped mushrooms or finely diced carrots with the onions—they just blend right in and add a subtle sweetness.
Cheese swap: If you’re a fan of stronger flavors, swapping part of the mozzarella for provolone or Parmesan adds a lovely sharp edge.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you want a little heat in your lasagna.
Gluten-Free: I’ve had great luck using gluten-free lasagna noodles—just watch your cooking time so they don’t get too soft.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Build That Flavorful Meat Sauce

Start by heating up olive oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, then sauté for about 5 minutes until the beef loses its pink color. Don’t rush this step—it’s crucial to properly brown your meat and soften the onion so the flavors develop nicely. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the red wine (or beef broth if you skip the alcohol). Stir it around and let it simmer for 2 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates—that little deglazing step brings out rich, concentrated flavors. Now, add your marinara sauce alongside salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, cover, and let it cook gently for 5 minutes. While it simmers, you can move on to the cheese sauce prep.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, the egg, and parsley. Give it a good mix until smooth and creamy. This sauce adds a tender, rich layer inside the lasagna that keeps every forkful balanced—don’t skip the egg here, it’s what helps the cheese set up beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Cook Your Noodles Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles until al dente—follow the package instructions closely. I’ve learned that rinsing them with cold water right after draining stops the cooking process and keeps noodles from sticking. Trust me, this simple tip saves a lot of headache when layering.

Step 4: Layer and Bake Your Classic Beef Lasagna

Grab a deep 9×13 casserole dish and start by spreading 1/2 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom—this acts like a barrier so noodles don’t stick. Place 3 noodles on top, then cover with a third of the meat sauce, sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella, and spoon half your cheese sauce evenly. Repeat those layers two more times, ending with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top. This layering is what makes the Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe stand out—more layers mean more flavor and texture in every bite. Use 9-12 toothpicks poked into the top surface to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese when baking. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes. For that golden bubbly finish, remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes. Once out of the oven, let it rest for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and firm up before slicing.

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Pro Tips for Making Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cooking the noodles al dente is a game-changer—overcooked noodles turn mushy and make your layers fall apart.
Wine for Depth: I always use a splash of dry red wine in the meat sauce—it adds richness that broth just can’t match.
Let it Rest: Giving the baked lasagna 30 minutes to rest makes slicing cleaner and flavors more cohesive—patience pays off!
Foil-with-Toothpicks Trick: Placing toothpicks poking through the foil prevents it from sticking to your melty cheese—small hack, big impact.

How to Serve Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

Classic Beef Lasagna, beef lasagna recipe, hearty lasagna, cheesy baked pasta, family dinner lasagna - The image shows a close-up of a large piece of lasagna being lifted from a white baking dish by a black spatula held by a woman's hand. The lasagna has several visible layers: a top layer of melted and slightly browned cheese with green parsley sprinkled on it, beneath that a layer of orange cheese mixed with meat sauce, then pasta sheets, a creamy white cheese layer, another pasta sheet, and a thick bottom layer of meat sauce. The cheese stretches in long strands from the lifted piece back to the dish, giving a melted and stretchy look. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves on top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese always makes the dish feel a little extra special, too.

Side Dishes

For sides, I keep it classic with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce. A simple steamed vegetable like broccoli or green beans rounds out the meal without competing with the lasagna’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make individual mini lasagnas using small ramekins or muffin tins—that way, everyone gets their own personal portion, and the layers look so pretty when served. It’s also a fun way to serve guests if you want to get fancy without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it has fully cooled, I tightly cover leftover lasagna with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It usually stays delicious for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy second and third helpings without any drop in flavor.

Freezing

This Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. I like to prepare it fully assembled and freeze before baking—just wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready, bake it covered at 375˚F for about an hour, then uncover and broil for that golden finish.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers with foil and warm them in a 350˚F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Using the oven keeps the layers intact, melts the cheese nicely, and avoids drying out—microwaving tends to make it rubbery, which nobody wants!

FAQs

Can I make the Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake it straight from the fridge—add extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
What’s the best way to avoid watery lasagna?

Cooking noodles al dente and using the egg in the cheese sauce helps bind moisture. Also, drain excess liquid from the meat sauce before layering and make sure to let the lasagna rest after baking to firm up the layers.
Can I substitute the ground beef with other meats?

Yes! Ground turkey or pork work well, but beef has a richer flavor that really shines here. If substituting, you might want to add a bit more seasoning to balance the milder taste.
Do I have to use wine in the meat sauce?

Nope, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, a good quality beef broth is an excellent substitute and still adds great flavor to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe feels like a warm, satisfying meal that never gets old. I’ve made it countless times and it always brings smiles around the table. Whether you’re a lasagna pro or trying it for the first time, just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like homemade love. So grab your apron and trust me—you’re going to enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!