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
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Sprinkle in paprika and oregano, stirring for about 1 minute to release the aroma.
- Add the ground beef mince and cook until browned.
- Mix in tomato paste, stock, and optional sauce for added depth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
- 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.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking to combine and prevent lumps.
- 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
- Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- 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.
- 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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