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The Best Classic Beef Lasagna for a Hearty Family Dinner

Classic Beef Lasagna
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Discover the ultimate Classic Beef Lasagna recipe with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
– 15 ounces tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 15 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in olive oil over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in the same pan until soft. Return beef and add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Make béchamel: melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until thick. Season with salt and nutmeg.
4. Mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan in a bowl.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 dish.
6. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with noodles, sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella.
7. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 minutes more until golden.
8. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a spicier lasagna, add extra red pepper flakes or use Italian sausage. To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Find it online: https://www.cookingbyness.blog/classic-beef-lasagna/