Rich and Hearty Beef Lasagne with Three-Cheese Layer Recipe

A delicious and comforting lasagne with rich beef and three types of cheese for a perfect family dinner.

Lasagne is a timeless Italian classic that has found its way into the hearts and homes of families worldwide. This recipe, Rich and Hearty Beef Lasagne with Three-Cheese Layer, elevates the traditional lasagne to new heights with an irresistibly rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and three decadent cheeses. Whether for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is a sure-fire winner.

The origins of lasagne can be traced back to ancient Greece, but it was in Italy that it truly became the dish we love today. Our version pays homage to this rich history while adding a personal touch with the irresistible combination of beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The slow-cooked meat sauce melds perfectly with the creamy layers of cheese and pasta, making every bite a flavor explosion.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 lasagne noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Nutrition

Calories: ~950 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 10 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the Lasagne Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagne noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a baking sheet to cool.
6. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and beaten egg. Mix well and set aside.
7. Make the Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce): In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the ground nutmeg and season with a little salt and pepper.
8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Assemble the Lasagne - First Layer: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne noodles on top.
10. Assemble the Lasagne - Ricotta and Béchamel Layers: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Follow by pouring a third of the béchamel sauce over the ricotta. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, then another layer of meat sauce.
11. Continue Layering: Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: noodles, ricotta mixture, béchamel sauce, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce. Finish with a final layer of lasagne noodles and the remaining béchamel sauce.
12. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
13. Bake the Lasagne: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
14. Let it Rest: Remove the lasagne from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your Rich and Hearty Beef Lasagne with Three-Cheese Layer piping hot! Its flavors are enhanced when paired with a fresh green salad and a toasted garlic bread. This dish also pairs beautifully with a hearty red wine such as a Chianti or a Merlot, making for a delightful dining experience.

One of the key tips for this lasagne recipe is allowing it to rest after baking. This helps the layers to set and makes it easier to cut clean, neat slices. Preparing the meat sauce ahead of time is another great trick; it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. For a make-ahead meal, you can assemble the entire lasagne a day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Freezing lasagne is another option if you want to have a hearty meal ready for those busy days. Simply assemble the lasagne as directed but do not bake it. Instead, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Feel free to experiment with variations of this classic recipe. You can add layers of spinach for added nutrients, use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef, or even mix in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Additionally, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving can add a pop of color and freshness.

Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Rich and Hearty Beef Lasagne with Three-Cheese Layer is sure to become a beloved recipe in your household. Its comforting, rich flavors bring people together and create lasting memories around the dinner table.