Traditional Beef Lasagna Recipe — A Cozy, Classic Family Favorite

I’d never had this kind of pasta before, and it was unbelievably good! This timeless dish has everything you expect from a great lasagna: soft, layered noodles, a hearty meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy Sunday dinner, family gathering, or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying.

This Traditional Beef Lasagna recipe is simple, rich in flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and bubbly golden cheese, every bite is comforting, hearty, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Beef Lasagna

Classic comfort food with familiar, loved flavors
Perfect for meal prep — tastes even better the next day
Family-friendly and great for gatherings
Freezer-friendly for easy future meals

Ingredients for Traditional Beef Lasagna

Lasagna noodles — 9 sheets
Ground beef — 1 lb
Small onion — 1, finely chopped
Garlic — 2 cloves, minced
Marinara sauce — 1 jar (24 oz)
Ricotta cheese — 1 container (15 oz)
Egg — 1
Shredded mozzarella cheese — 2 cups
Grated Parmesan cheese — ½ cup
Olive oil — 1 tablespoon
Salt & black pepper — to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Noodles

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Stir marinara sauce into the beef mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, whisk the egg into the ricotta until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish.
Layer 3 noodles.
Spread half the ricotta mixture.
Sprinkle about ⅔ cup mozzarella.
Add more sauce.
Repeat layers, ending with noodles and sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 7: Brown the Top

Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set beautifully.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna

Use whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or Italian seasoning to the ricotta for deeper flavor.
Letting it rest prevents the slices from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
Add a fresh green salad with vinaigrette
Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus

Final Thoughts

This Traditional Beef Lasagna is everything a comfort meal should be — hearty, cheesy, rich, and deeply satisfying. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for Sunday dinner or holidays. If you’re looking for a recipe that never fails and always gets rave reviews, this is the one to keep forever.

Make it once, and it’ll become a permanent favorite in your kitchen.