Easy Homemade Beef Lasagna Recipe

 

Discover how to make a classic beef lasagna that's delicious, affordable, and perfect for family dinners. With layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta sheets, this recipe is a true comfort food favorite!


Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 kg ground beef mince
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp beef stock powder or cube
  • 1 tbsp sauce for added flavor (optional, like tomato-based or curry sauce)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp butter or margarine
  • 2 cups milk (any type)
  • ¼ cup shredded cheese (any melting variety, like mozzarella or cheddar)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

  • 250 g lasagna sheets (pre-cooked or oven-ready)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese you have)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
  2. Sprinkle in paprika and oregano, stirring for about 1 minute to release the aroma.
  3. Add the ground beef mince and cook until browned.
  4. Mix in tomato paste, stock, and optional sauce for added depth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  2. Gradually add the milk, whisking to combine and prevent lumps.
  3. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
  2. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by meat sauce, and then cheese sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of cheese sauce.
  3. Sprinkle the top with a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Bake the lasagna for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

5. Rest and Serve
Allow the lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.


Tips for a Perfect Lasagna

  • Use any cheese you have on hand to keep this budget-friendly.
  • Don’t skip letting the lasagna rest before slicing—it helps the layers stay intact.
  • You can double the recipe and freeze portions for easy meal prep.

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