This lasagna is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish layered with savory beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It bakes into a bubbly, golden-topped casserole with rich tomato aroma and a satisfying mix of creamy and meaty textures. Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or a make-ahead supper that warms the whole house.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes)
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: ~480 kcal
Protein: ~30 g
Carbohydrates: ~32 g
Fat: ~28 g
Fiber: ~3 g
Sugar: ~7 g
Sodium: ~900 mg

Why Make This Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection

This lasagna combines familiar flavors into a reliable, satisfying meal. The beef gives it savory depth, the ricotta adds creaminess, and the mozzarella melts into a stretchy, golden blanket. It smells warmly of tomato and garlic while baking and offers a contrast of tender pasta, creamy cheese, and seasoned beef in every bite. Make it for a cozy weeknight or when you want leftovers that taste even better the next day.

How to Make Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection

Follow these clear steps to build layers that cook evenly and stay moist. Prepping ingredients before you start makes assembly fast. Pay attention to seasoning and avoid over-soaking noodles so the lasagna holds its shape when sliced.

Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean towel or tray so they do not stick.

Step 2: Mixing

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, chopped fresh basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set this ricotta mixture aside for assembly.

Step 3: Cooking

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and mix the beef briefly with about 1/2 cup of marinara to keep it moist. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles, then spread some of the ricotta mixture, add a layer of the cooked beef, and sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, beef, mozzarella) until ingredients are used; finish with a top layer of marinara and the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Finishing

Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing so the layers set. Serve warm.

How to Serve Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection

Serve slices with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up sauce. For a party starter, pair with Beef Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls for a playful, savory combo. Garnish lasagna with extra chopped basil or a light dusting of Parmesan for color and fresh flavor. It pairs well with bold red wine or a sparkling non-alcoholic grape drink.

How to Store Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection

Refrigerator: Cover the cooled lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store for up to 3–4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole dish (tightly in plastic wrap and foil) and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–60 minutes, covered, then uncover to brown the top.
Tip: For best texture, avoid microwaving large portions from frozen; use the oven to keep the cheese creamy and the noodles tender.

Expert Tips for Perfect Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection

Don’t overcook noodles: Cook until just tender so they don’t become mushy after baking.
Drain grease: Brown beef well and drain excess fat to avoid a greasy final dish.
Season layers: Taste and season the ricotta mixture and the beef separately to build flavor through the dish.
Prevent a dry lasagna: Mix a little marinara into the beef and spread sauce on the bottom of the dish so pasta can absorb moisture.
Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest 10–15 minutes after baking makes cleaner slices.
Swap ingredients: Use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat, or swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking; add 5–10 minutes to baking time if cold.

Delicious Variations

Beef & Sausage: Replace half the ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more complex meat layer.
Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between layers for extra texture and nutrition.
White Lasagna Twist: Use a béchamel sauce in place of marinara and add garlic and herbs for a creamy white version.
Low-Carb Option: Use thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini in place of noodles for a lighter dish.
Extra Cheese: Add a layer of provolone or use a mix of fontina and mozzarella for creamier melt and deeper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Yes. If you use no-boil noodles, skip the step of boiling them. Make sure you use enough sauce so the noodles soften while baking. You may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of marinara.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Season and drain as you would the beef.
Q: How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
A: Drain cooked noodles and the cooked beef well. Don’t overload with watery vegetables. Use a firm ricotta or drain excess liquid from ricotta by placing it in a fine sieve for a few minutes.
Q: Can I freeze this lasagna before baking?
A: Yes. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes, covered; uncover for the last 10–15 minutes to brown.
Q: How do I reheat single slices without drying them out?
A: Reheat slices in a small oven-safe dish covered with foil at 325–350°F (160–175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Add a splash of marinara or a few drops of water and cover to retain moisture.
Q: What if I want a richer flavor?
A: Use a mix of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage or stir a tablespoon of tomato paste into the marinara while cooking the beef for deeper tomato flavor.
Q: Can I use low-fat cheese or milk in the ricotta?
A: Yes. Using part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella lowers calories and fat, though the texture will be slightly less rich.

Conclusion

This Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection delivers warm, cheesy comfort with easy steps and reliable results. It browns beautifully, smells like home, and slices into satisfying layers of sauce, beef, and creamy cheese. If you want another similar take or inspiration for more lasagna ideas, check out this Seriously Good Lasagna Recipe for additional techniques and flavor variations: Seriously Good Lasagna Recipe. Give it a try — your kitchen will fill with delicious aroma, and you’ll have leftovers everyone will reach for.

Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection

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Author: jeana
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Omnivore

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Description

This comforting lasagna features layers of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, making it a favorite for family dinners and holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

9 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water as per package instructions until just tender. Drain and lay flat on a clean towel.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, the egg, basil, garlic powder, and seasoning until smooth.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning it as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then combine with 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, beef, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with marinara and mozzarella, topped with Parmesan. Cover with foil.
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking makes it easier to slice.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg