Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

If you’re anything like me, nothing beats a comforting, hearty slice of lasagna on a cozy evening. Today, I’m sharing my cherished Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe that’s been a family favorite for years. It’s got a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy layers of cottage cheese and mozzarella, and tender oven-ready noodles that save you a step in prep. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s become my go-to dish for gatherings or a special weeknight meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe plays a starring role — from the savory beef and herbs in the sauce to the layered cheeses that bring everything together. I always recommend using the best quality canned tomatoes you can find, like San Marzano, for that authentic, bright tomato flavor.

• Medium Onions: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized gently.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh, finely chopped garlic brings aromatic warmth to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality one for sautéing to enrich the flavors.
• Lean Ground Beef: I prefer ground sirloin for a balance of flavor and less grease.
• Canned Whole Tomatoes: Crushing by hand releases a fresher, chunkier texture.
• Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste: These boost the sauce’s body and intensity.
• Dried Basil & Oregano: Crushing these herbs in your hand before adding releases their essential oils beautifully.
• Sugar: Just a pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
• Water: Keeps the sauce from getting too thick during simmering.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
• Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: Super convenient and allow sauce to soak in during baking.
• Whole Milk Cottage Cheese: Draining it is key for creamy, not watery, layers.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for that perfect melt and stretch.
• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkling on top adds that savory, umami punch.

Variations

I love encouraging folks to personalize this Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe. Whether it’s swapping cheeses or sneaking in some veggies, making it yours is part of the fun. Trust me, once you’re comfortable, you’ll be experimenting like a pro in no time.

• Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add finely chopped spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for extra nutrition—and my family barely notices!
• Cheese Variations: Mixing ricotta with cottage cheese creates an even creamier texture that I’ve found really takes it up a notch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle but addictive heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oven-ready noodles to keep it accessible without sacrificing ease.

How to Make Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Build the Sauce with Love

Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot—this lets your onions caramelize gracefully. Toss in the chopped onions with a pinch of salt and cook until soft and golden, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant—don’t rush this step as it’s where the magic begins. Next, brown your ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon till completely cooked through. Add in your hand-crushed basil and oregano right here to wake up their flavors in the heat.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce Slowly

Gently crush your canned whole tomatoes by hand and stir them, along with tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and a teaspoon of sugar into your meat mixture. Season it well and bring it up to a boil before turning down to a low simmer. Cover it with a lid and let it bubble away for about an hour and a half, stirring sometimes. This slow simmer is what I’ve learned makes the sauce sing — every time.

Step 3: Chill and Prepare the Cheese

Once the sauce has cooled, pop it into the fridge overnight if you can—the flavors deepen so beautifully! Meanwhile, drain your cottage cheese in a fine mesh sieve for an hour or two to get rid of excess liquid. This step is key because watery cheese layers can make the whole dish soggy, which we definitely want to avoid.

Step 4: Assemble Your Layers with Care

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. In your 11 x 15 lasagna pan, spread a thin layer of sauce to coat the bottom — this keeps your noodles from sticking! Arrange six noodles overlapping slightly over the sauce. Spread half your drained cottage cheese over the noodles, then sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella on top. Generously ladle sauce over this layer and repeat once more with noodles, cheese, mozzarella, and sauce. Finish with one last layer of noodles, cover them with sauce (don’t forget to get sauce into the edges), and a good shower of grated Parmesan. Cover with foil for baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake covered for 45 minutes to let everything meld. Then remove the foil to brown and bubble for another 15 minutes. After you pull it out, give it about 10 minutes to rest before slicing — this helps the layers set up so you get perfect squares instead of a melty mess.

How to Serve Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top my slices with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of extra grated Parmesan at the table is always a hit too — it adds that final savory lift.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil, or some garlicky roasted broccoli. For carb lovers, warm garlic bread can’t be beat alongside this classic Italian comfort food.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when entertaining, I’ve served portions in individual ramekins layered just like the big pan — it makes everyone feel special and is great for portion control. Another idea is topping the lasagna with roasted cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. Reheating is easy and the flavors actually meld even more overnight.

Freezing

This Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking, I cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic and foil to protect against freezer burn. It’ll keep up to 3 months and still taste fresh and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers covered in the oven at 350ºF until heated through, usually about 20–25 minutes. Covering prevents drying out and helps keep that melty, creamy texture we all love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Classic Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe is so close to my heart because it’s a slice of my family’s tradition and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. I love how the layers work together in harmony—meaty, cheesy, and saucy with just the right balance. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and maybe even start your own family tradition with it. Don’t be shy—get hands-on and enjoy every gooey, comforting bite!

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