Classic and Simple Beef Lasagna

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Classic and Simple Beef Lasagna

This classic beef lasagna is the ultimate comfort food — saucy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty flavor. Layers of tender noodles, savory beef marinara, and creamy cheese filling come together to create a dish that’s simple to make and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna

  • Rich and hearty: Every bite combines perfectly seasoned beef and melty cheese.
  • Easy to make: Simple ingredients and clear steps for foolproof results.
  • Perfect for family meals or gatherings: Everyone loves a good lasagna!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (15–20% fat content)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup beef broth (for extra richness)
  • 3 cups (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Cheese Filling

  • 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
  • 15 oz reduced-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For the Pasta

  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and drained

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until no longer pink.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add marinara sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Stir well, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, egg, and parsley.
  2. Mix well until the filling is smooth and evenly blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread ½ cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Add 3 noodles, spread one-third of the remaining meat sauce, sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella, then add half of the cheese mixture.
  4. Repeat with another layer of noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and the rest of the cheese mixture.
  5. Finish with the final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and top generously with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
  6. (Optional) Insert a few toothpicks on top to prevent foil from sticking to the cheese.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
  3. Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing — this allows the layers to set perfectly.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

  • Don’t overcook noodles: Keep them firm since they’ll continue softening in the oven.
  • Let it rest: Slicing too early can make it fall apart — patience pays off!
  • Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance before baking.

Delicious Serving Ideas

  • A fresh green salad
  • Warm garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli

 

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