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best lasagna recipe

best lasagna recipe

A classic and hearty beef lasagna with layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce

  • 1.5 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounce crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounce tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Béchamel Sauce

  • 0.5 cup butter
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk warmed
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • salt to taste
  • white pepper to taste

Assembly

  • 12 sheets lasagna noodles cooked according to package directions
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Make the Meat Sauce

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to 1 hour.

Make the Béchamel Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the warmed milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  • Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Lasagna

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. (You may need to break noodles to fit.)
  • Spread one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles.
  • Spoon one-third of the béchamel sauce over the meat sauce.
  • Sprinkle with about one-third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Repeat the layers twice more: noodles, meat sauce, béchamel sauce, cheeses.
  • For the top layer, place noodles, spread the remaining béchamel sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake the Lasagna

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This lasagna is best served hot. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated.