Ultimate Classic Beef Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Layers

Heavenly Classic Lasagna Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Meat
Recipe Yield: 10 servings
Description:
This classic lasagna recipe is a family favorite, perfect for gatherings and dinner parties. Its rich, hearty flavors combine tender layers of pasta, a savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese, creating a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or making it for a special occasion, this lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of ground beef, fresh mushrooms, and the smooth cream cheese sauce makes each bite incredibly comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients & Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 10 servings):

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This will give your lasagna its rich, savory base.

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2. Drain the Fat:
   Once the beef is browned and crumbly, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This ensures your lasagna won’t be greasy and lets the other flavors shine.

3. Add the Spaghetti Sauce:
   Pour your favorite jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce into the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine, ensuring the beef is fully coated. Let the mixture simmer on low heat while you move on to the next steps.

4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a separate small skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms together until they soften and become fragrant. This step adds depth to the overall flavor of the lasagna.

5. Combine the Veggies with the Meat Sauce:
   Once the onion and mushrooms are sautéed, add them to the beef mixture. Stir to combine, then season the meat sauce with basil, oregano, and minced garlic. Let the sauce simmer on low for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Melt the Cream Cheese:
   In a separate small saucepan, combine the cream cheese and milk. Heat over low, stirring frequently until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will serve as the luxurious creamy layer in your lasagna.

7. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside, ready to layer into the dish.

8. Assemble the Lasagna:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish (preferably a 9×13-inch pan), spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. Layer with cooked lasagna noodles, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Spoon half of the creamy cream cheese mixture over the mozzarella cheese, then add another layer of noodles.

   Repeat the process: spread the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the noodles, followed by the remaining meat mixture. Finish with the remaining lasagna noodles and top with the last of the meat sauce.

9. Bake the Lasagna:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The lasagna should be fully heated through, with all the layers melding together.

10. Finish with Parmesan:
    Once the lasagna is out of the oven, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top to add a touch of salty richness. Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

11. Serve & Enjoy:
    Slice the lasagna into squares, serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad, and enjoy the indulgent flavors of this classic Italian dish. The rich layers and hearty flavors will make this your go-to lasagna recipe for years to come.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Lasagna:

• Use Fresh Mozzarella: If you want an extra creamy texture, opt for fresh mozzarella, which melts beautifully and gives your lasagna that gooey, cheese-pull effect.

• Let it Rest: Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting the lasagna sit for 10 minutes helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and preventing the dish from falling apart.

• Make Ahead: This lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply cover with plastic wrap or foil and bake the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian lasagna, substitute the ground beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a lighter, yet equally delicious version.

This lasagna recipe is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and creamy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family meal, it’s sure to impress with its comforting flavors and satisfying layers. Enjoy every bite!

Keyword: Lasagna, Classic Lasagna, Meat Lasagna, Italian Lasagna, Family Dinner, Comfort Food, Homemade Lasagna, Mozzarella Lasagna, Beef Lasagna