Beef Lasagne

Beef Lasagne

Classic hearty beef lasagne with a rich, long-simmered tomato-meat sauce, layers of sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This vintage Italian-American comfort food is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

🍝 Hearty Beef Lasagne

A rich, slow-simmered classic. This lasagne features a deeply flavorful tomato and beef sauce layered with creamy sour cream and melted mozzarella for ultimate comfort.

⏱️ Cook Time: ~2.5 Hours 🍽️ Serves: 8–10 🔥 Oven: 350°F

Ingredients

  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 cans Italian tomatoes (mashed or blended)
  • 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne
  • Sprinkle of chili powder
  • Pinch of basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pkg lasagna noodles
  • 1 pint sour cream
  • 12 oz mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese (to garnish)

Preparation Instructions

  1. Make Sauce: Brown onions, garlic, and ground beef in olive oil. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, and water. Simmer uncovered for 2 hours until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
  2. Prep Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain well.
  3. Assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking pan. Create layers of: noodles, sour cream, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.
  4. Bake: Sprinkle generously with Parmesan. Bake for 30–40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

FAQ

Do I have to use sour cream?

This vintage version uses sour cream for a creamy, tangy layer. Ricotta can be substituted for a more traditional Italian-style lasagne.

How spicy is this lasagne?

It has a mild kick from the cayenne and chili powder. Reduce or omit them for a milder dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the lasagne, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 10–15 extra minutes if starting from cold.

How do I keep lasagne from being watery?

Simmer the sauce until quite thick and drain the noodles well. Let the baked lasagne rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

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