Classic Layered Beef Lasagna
This Classic Layered Beef Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that has become a family favorite in our home. The rich and flavorful meat sauce, combined with creamy cheese sauce and layered between tender lasagna noodles, makes for an indulgent meal that's perfect for gatherings or quiet dinners. I love preparing this dish, and it's a joy to see my husband savor the leftovers for lunch the next day. You can easily make the meat sauce ahead of time and even freeze it for a quick weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients and some love in the kitchen, you can create a lasagna that will impress everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
lasagna noodles or sheets
250 g (cooked until tender (or use no-boil sheets))
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon (to sprinkle on top)
oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
ground beef
500 g (browned)
whole tomatoes
2 (470 g) cans (ingredients to include juices)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
mushrooms
125 g (sliced)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
basil
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
rosemary
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (to balance acidity)
butter
60 g (for cheese sauce)
flour
4 tablespoons (for thickening)
milk
2 cups (for cheese sauce)
pepper
to taste
nutmeg
1 pinch (for seasoning)
grated processed cheese
125 g (for cheese sauce)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the lasagna noodles in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and set aside. (If using no-boil lasagna sheets, skip this step.)
2
2. For the meat sauce, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3
3. Add the canned whole tomatoes (with their juices), finely chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, oregano, basil, rosemary, salt, and sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops deep flavors.
5
5. Meanwhile, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook gently for about 1 minute.
6
6. Gradually add the milk while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens.
7
7. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the grated processed cheese and grated parmesan until melted and smooth.
8
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9
9. To assemble the lasagna, spread one-third of the cooked noodles on the bottom of a greased shallow ovenproof dish.
10
10. Top with half of the meat sauce, followed by one-third of the cheese sauce. Repeat with another layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and another one-third of the cheese sauce.
11
11. Finish with the last layer of noodles, spreading the remaining cheese sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with an additional tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese.
12
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
30 g
Fat
30 g
Carbs
33 g
Protein
1 g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Classic Layered Beef Lasagna?
The main protein in this recipe is 500 grams of ground beef.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 533 calories.
How long should the lasagna noodles be cooked?
The lasagna noodles should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 15 minutes until tender.
Can I use no-boil lasagna sheets instead of regular noodles?
Yes, if you use no-boil lasagna sheets, you can skip the step of boiling the noodles.
How long does the meat sauce need to simmer?
The meat sauce should simmer uncovered for about 60 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the lasagna?
The oven should be preheated and set to 350°F (175°C).
How many layers of meat sauce are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two layers of meat sauce between three layers of noodles.
What types of tomatoes are used in the meat sauce?
The recipe uses two 470 gram cans of whole tomatoes, including their juices.
Which vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes finely chopped onions and sliced mushrooms.
What herbs are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with dried oregano, basil, and rosemary.
How much butter is needed for the cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce requires 60 grams of butter.
How long does the lasagna bake in the oven?
The lasagna should bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Should the lasagna rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What ingredients make up the cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce is made from butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, grated processed cheese, and grated parmesan.
Why is sugar added to the meat sauce?
Sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How much flour is used for the thickening roux?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of flour.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
One serving provides 33 grams of protein.
Can the meat sauce be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the meat sauce can be made in advance and even frozen for a quick weeknight meal.
What kinds of cheese are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses grated parmesan cheese and grated processed cheese.
How much milk is required for the white sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk.
What spice adds a distinct flavor to the cheese sauce?
A pinch of nutmeg is added to season the cheese sauce.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this lasagna contain any fiber?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for one crushed garlic clove.
How much oregano is added?
One teaspoon of dried oregano is used.
What is the first step in assembling the layers?
The first step is spreading one-third of the cooked noodles on the bottom of a greased dish.
What goes on the very top of the lasagna?
The remaining cheese sauce is spread on top and sprinkled with an additional tablespoon of grated parmesan.
How much oil is used to brown the beef?
One tablespoon of oil is used in the skillet.
How many grams of lasagna noodles are needed?
The recipe requires 250 grams of lasagna noodles or sheets.