Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a classic comfort dish that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, you’re in the right place. This Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe is exactly what I turn to on cozy nights when I want a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and straightforward. You’ll love how the rich meat sauce layers perfectly with creamy cheese, delivering a lasagna that’s fan-freaking-tastic every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Classic pantry staples come together for an authentic, home-cooked taste without fuss.
  • Layered Flavors: The balance of savory beef sauce and creamy cheese sauce creates that perfect texture and flavor contrast.
  • Family Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters ask for again and again.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead, refrigerate or freeze, and still enjoy a fresh-from-the-oven dinner any night of the week.
Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna, easy ground beef lasagna, hearty beef lasagna recipe, homemade lasagna with meat sauce, comforting classic lasagna - A white rectangular baking dish holds a thick lasagna with about five layers visible; the bottom layer is flat orange pasta sheets, followed by a rich dark brown meat sauce, then another layer of pasta, meat sauce, and a top layer covered in melted golden cheese with brown spots. Small bits of fresh green parsley are sprinkled evenly on top, adding a fresh touch. The dish sits on a red and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe really comes down to how each ingredient plays its part. Every element—from the ground beef’s richness to the herbs in the marinara and the silky cheese blend—works harmoniously to deliver that classic lasagna experience. When shopping, choose quality ingredients you love because they’ll shine through in the final dish.

Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna, easy ground beef lasagna, hearty beef lasagna recipe, homemade lasagna with meat sauce, comforting classic lasagna - Flat lay of fresh ground beef in a neat mound, one medium diced onion in small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with dry red wine, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with bright red marinara sauce, a small white bowl containing coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl holding dried thyme, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, fresh parsley sprigs, nine cooked al dente flat rectangular lasagna noodles neatly stacked, a simple white ceramic bowl with creamy low-fat cottage cheese, a simple white ceramic bowl with smooth reduced fat ricotta cheese, one large whole uncracked egg with clean shell, a small white bowl holding shredded mozzarella cheese, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Ground beef: I use 15-20% fat content for juicy, flavorful meat sauce that’s not dry.
  • Onion: Finely diced to melt beautifully into the sauce without big chunks.
  • Garlic: Fresh and minced for that punch of aromatic flavor.
  • Dry red wine or beef broth: Adds depth and richness; wine brings a subtle tang.
  • Olive oil: For sautéing and enhancing flavors without overpowering.
  • Marinara sauce: The tomato base; use your favorite, or homemade if you have extra time.
  • Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning, balanced to elevate all ingredients.
  • Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness to the tomato sauce.
  • Granulated sugar: Tames acidity in the marinara for a balanced sauce.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens flavors and adds fresh herbaceous notes.
  • Lasagna noodles: Cooked al dente to hold their shape but still tender after baking.
  • Cottage cheese and ricotta: Creamy, lower-fat cheeses that lend smooth texture and mild flavor.
  • Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture so your layers stay perfectly together.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for that luscious, golden cheesy crust everyone loves.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love encouraging you to make this Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe truly your own. Whether you like it a bit saucier, cheesier, or want to sneak in some extra veggies, this recipe is flexible and forgiving. Trust me, it’s all about what makes you and your family happiest around the dinner table.

  • Vegetable boost: I sometimes add chopped spinach or shredded zucchini for extra nutrients—it disappears into the layers and keeps the dish moist.
  • Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a subtle kick, which I find irresistible.
  • Cheese swap: Feel free to swap part of the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a more complex cheese flavor.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced eggplant instead for a low-carb twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Rich Meat Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I brown the ground beef with finely chopped onions, breaking the meat apart with a spatula to get an even sear. This usually takes about 5 minutes—look for no pink left. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt (burnt garlic can spoil the flavor quickly). Pour in the red wine and stir it around, letting it cook off for a couple of minutes—this step adds a lovely depth that plain broth can’t quite match. Then, add your marinara, sea salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Bring everything to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 2: Mixing the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the sauce simmers, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta, one cup of mozzarella, egg, and parsley in a large bowl. I like to whisk it well so the egg is fully incorporated and the texture turns silky smooth. This cheesy mixture is what keeps your lasagna layers luscious without being overly heavy. It’s also one of the reasons this version feels homestyle and comforting.

Step 3: Preparing Your Noodles with Care

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles until they’re just al dente—firm but not crunchy. Drain them, then immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from sticking together. When I’ve skipped this step, I’ve had a sticky mess on my hands, so trust me, it’s worth the extra rinse!

Step 4: Layering Like a Pro

In your 9×13 casserole dish, start by spreading half a cup of meat sauce to coat the bottom—this keeps your noodles from sticking. Add three noodles side by side, then cover with a third of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella over that, then dollop and spread half of your cheese sauce. Repeat for two more layers, ending with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection

For this step, I poke 9-12 toothpicks into the lasagna top. This handy trick helps prevent foil from sticking to the cheese when you cover it. Pop it in a 375˚F oven and bake covered for 45 minutes so everything melds and heats evenly. Then remove the foil and switch to broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Once baked, resist the temptation to dig in right away; let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to firm up nicely so your slices hold together beautiful and neat.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Wine: It adds depth I never get from broth alone, making the sauce taste richer without alcohol overpowering.
  • Poke Toothpicks in Foil: Prevents the foil from sticking to your cheesy top layer, keeping presentation perfect.
  • Rest Before Serving: I learned the hard way that letting lasagna sit makes slicing cleaner and flavors mingle better.
  • Use Fresh Parsley: It brightens the sauce and cheese mix like little flavor fireworks.

How to Serve Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna, easy ground beef lasagna, hearty beef lasagna recipe, homemade lasagna with meat sauce, comforting classic lasagna - The image shows a close-up of a large piece of lasagna being lifted from a white baking dish by a black spatula held by a woman's hand. The lasagna has several visible layers: a top layer of melted and slightly browned cheese with green parsley sprinkled on it, beneath that a layer of orange cheese mixed with meat sauce, then pasta sheets, a creamy white cheese layer, another pasta sheet, and a thick bottom layer of meat sauce. The cheese stretches in long strands from the lifted piece back to the dish, giving a melted and stretchy look. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that lightens up the rich layers. Sometimes, I’ll also add a light drizzle of good quality olive oil for a glossy finish and extra richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a crisp Caesar salad or simple garlic bread for a classic combo. On busy nights, I keep it simple with a side of steamed green beans tossed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to use smaller, individual ramekins so each guest gets their own perfectly portioned lasagna that’s golden on top. It feels fancy but keeps the cozy, homestyle vibe. You can also garnish with fresh basil leaves for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lasagna tightly covered in the fridge within a day of baking. It keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days without drying out. I recommend placing it in an airtight container or covering it well with foil or plastic wrap.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I usually assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, then freeze before baking. When I’m ready, I thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual, adding extra time. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

For leftovers, I reheat lasagna covered with foil in a 350˚F oven until warmed through—about 20 minutes depending on the amount. This method keeps the cheese gooey and prevents drying out, much better than microwaving in my experience.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this lasagna?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well. Just keep in mind it cooks faster and can dry out more easily, so watch your cooking time closely and add a touch more olive oil or broth to keep the sauce moist.

  2. Do I have to use wine in the meat sauce?

    You don’t have to—beef broth is a fine substitute if you prefer not to cook with wine. The broth still adds the necessary moisture and some richness, just without the extra depth wine gives.

  3. How can I tell when the lasagna noodles are perfectly al dente?

    Follow the package instructions, but about a minute or two before they’re “done,” pull out a noodle and bite into it. It should be tender with a little firmness in the center. Overcooked noodles will get mushy during baking, so slightly undercooked is better since they finish in the oven.

  4. Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate before baking?

    Yes, prepping it a day ahead is perfect and actually helps the flavors meld nicely. Just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.

  5. What’s the best way to prevent foil from sticking to the cheese during baking?

    As I mentioned in the tips, poking toothpicks through the foil keeps it elevated from the cheesy surface, preventing the foil from touching and sticking to the melted cheese layer.

Final Thoughts

This Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe is more than just dinner—it’s a hug on a plate, a tradition I love sharing with friends and family. Once you’ve made it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for those days you want something cozy, delicious, and just downright satisfying. Give it a try, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the delicious ride!

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Homestyle Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This easy lasagna recipe layers a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese sauce with tender noodles, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, it features ground beef simmered with marinara and herbs, combined with a luscious blend of cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Ready in just over an hour, this classic Italian dish is comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (3 cups)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped

Lasagna Noodles

  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

Cheese Sauce

  • 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
  • 15 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
  • 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided

Instructions

  1. Make Meat Sauce: Place a deep pan or dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 lb ground beef, and diced onion. Saute, breaking up the meat, for 5 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and sauté another minute until fragrant. Add 1/4 cup dry red wine and stir for 2 minutes or until wine is nearly evaporated. Add marinara sauce, sea salt, ground black pepper, dried thyme, granulated sugar, and parsley. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5 minutes.
  2. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine low-fat cottage cheese, reduced fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 large egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until fully combined.
  3. Cook Lasagna Noodles: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  4. Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a deep 9×13 inch casserole dish. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then spread 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spread half of the cheese sauce evenly over the mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times to create three layers total of noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and cheese sauce.
  5. Prepare to Bake: Poke 9-12 toothpicks over the surface of the assembled lasagna to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
  6. Bake Lasagna: Bake covered at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and switch oven to broil. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
  7. Rest Before Serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use dry red wine for depth of flavor or substitute beef broth if avoiding alcohol.
  • Make sure to cook the noodles just al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Poking toothpicks on top helps foil from sticking to cheese during baking.
  • Letting the lasagna rest after baking allows it to set and makes slicing easier.
  • You can prepare this lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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