Oven-Baked Beef Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that layers pasta sheets with a rich beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner night.

Ingredients

For the Beef Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

For Assembly:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular, depending on preference)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Timing

Making Oven-Baked Beef Lasagna takes about 30 minutes for preparation, 45-50 minutes for baking, and 10-15 minutes for cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Sauce

1. Cook Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef sauce on the bottom.
2. Add Noodles: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Add Cheese Mixture: Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
4. Repeat Layers: Add more beef sauce, followed by noodles, and then cheese mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of beef sauce on top.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the hearty flavors of this classic dish!

Step 7: Dig In

1. Savor the Flavor: Indulge in the comforting layers of pasta, beef, and cheese!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Oven-Baked Beef Lasagna (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	25g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Addition: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef sauce for added nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor.
• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Beef Lasagna is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together layers of rich beef sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, this lasagna is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy this delightful recipe!