Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a perfectly layered, cheesy, meaty lasagna. This Classic Beef Lasagna is everything you want in a home-cooked meal: rich, hearty, indulgent, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving something delicious, this recipe has you covered. Forget complicated spice blends and gimmicky shortcuts—this is all about technique, patience, and a little love in the kitchen.

Serves: 10-12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours (simmering plus baking)

Ingredients for Classic Beef Lasagna

For the Meat Sauce:

3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 kg beef or lamb mince
2 large or 3 medium onions, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely diced
2 sticks celery, finely diced (optional, but recommended)
15-20 cloves garlic, minced (non-negotiable)
1 tbsp tomato purée
2 tins plum tomatoes
500g passata
1 large or 2 small bay leaves
1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
1.5 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1.5 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tsp coriander powder
1.5 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, or to taste)
200g freshly shredded cheese
1 ball fresh mozzarella
Large handful fresh parsley and coriander, chopped

For the Bechamel Sauce:

100g butter
4 tbsp plain flour
4-5 cups whole milk
Salt & pepper to taste
Tiny pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions for Classic Beef Lasagna

Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce

The key to a truly flavorful lasagna starts with the meat. Heat your olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over high heat, then add the mince. Leave it alone at first. Let the meat sear for about 5 minutes until a golden crust forms. This step is crucial—it develops deep, rich flavor and eliminates any gamey smell. Once the crust has formed, break the meat apart and stir occasionally until most of the moisture has evaporated.

Next, add the tomato purée, bay leaves, salt, and garlic. Let these aromatics infuse the meat as they sauté. The aroma at this stage is intoxicating—the garlic and tomato paste provide a base that will carry the rest of the flavors beautifully.

Now it’s time for the sofrito: the finely diced onions, carrots, and celery. This classic Italian trio is a foundation of flavor. Add it directly to the meat—there’s no need to cook it separately. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

Once the sofrito is tender, stir in the spices: coriander, cumin, and chili powder. These are not traditional lasagna spices, but they complement the beef beautifully. Let them cook out for 5 minutes to deepen the flavors. Finally, add the tinned tomatoes, passata, and one can of water. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes. This long simmer allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly, producing a sauce that is rich, savory, and deeply comforting.

Pro tip: Don’t rush this step. Step away from the stove, let it simmer slowly, and come back to stir every so often. Good things take time.

Step 2: Making the Bechamel Sauce

While the meat sauce is simmering, start on the bechamel, which will add a luxurious creaminess to your lasagna. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 3-4 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Slowly add the milk, one cup at a time, whisking thoroughly to break up any lumps. Continue until all the milk is incorporated. Cook on medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to a consistency similar to hot custard. Season with salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg.

Pro tip: Avoid jarred white sauces—they can never compare to fresh, homemade bechamel. It’s only three ingredients, takes 15 minutes, and the difference is night and day. Fresh herbs in the sauce also elevate it—don’t skimp.

Step 3: Assembling the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). To prevent the pasta from sticking, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on the bottom of your dish.

Start layering: begin with a thin layer of meat sauce, then pasta sheets, followed by bechamel, and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese. Repeat until your dish is full, finishing with a large layer of bechamel and freshly shredded cheese. Slide a ball of mozzarella under the top layer—it will melt into a gooey, dreamy topping as it bakes.

For fresh pasta sheets: bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
For dry sheets: cover with foil (making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese) for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Once baked, let your lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This step is crucial—the layers will hold together beautifully, and the flavors will settle perfectly.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for the Perfect Classic Beef Lasagna

Searing the meat: Don’t skip this—it’s the flavor foundation.
Sofrito first: Onions, carrots, and celery create natural sweetness and depth.
Patience is key: Allow the sauce to simmer low and slow; this is where magic happens.
Fresh herbs and cheese: These small touches make a huge difference in taste and presentation.
Layering technique: Flexible, but remember—bechamel on top + fresh shredded cheese = perfect golden crust.

Why This Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe Always Works

This recipe isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about technique, timing, and respect for the process. Each step builds layers of flavor: searing the meat, sweating the vegetables, slow-simmering the sauce, and carefully layering everything with fresh bechamel and cheese. The result is a lasagna that’s deeply satisfying, perfectly balanced, and endlessly comforting.

Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or a glass of red wine. And if there are leftovers (good luck with that), it tastes even better the next day.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just lasagna—it’s a masterclass in technique and flavor. Follow these steps, take your time, and your family or friends will be begging for seconds. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for the ultimate comfort meal.

If you enjoy comforting, hearty meals like this Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe, you’ll also love this crispy and flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s an easy weeknight dinner with a golden, cheesy crust that pairs beautifully with simple sides or salads.

Classic Beef Lasagna Recipe – The Best Homemade Lasagna Ever

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