Creamy Cheesy Beef Lasagna 

by

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Meat Sauce

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • ½ cup water or broth

For the Béchamel Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients

  • Lasagna sheets (pre-boiled or oven-ready)
  • 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional but amazing!)

How to Make the Creamy Cheesy Beef Lasagna

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the chopped onion. Cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Now add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and basil. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water or broth. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. The richer the sauce, the better your lasagna layers will hold.

2. Prepare the Béchamel (White) Sauce

In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This creamy sauce gives the lasagna its velvety texture.

3. Prepare Your Cheeses

In a bowl, mix mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta (if using). This cheese blend will create the rich, stretchy top that makes lasagna unforgettable.

Assembling the Lasagna

Step 1: Spread a Thin Layer of Béchamel

Start by spreading a small amount of béchamel sauce on the bottom of your baking tray. This prevents sticking and keeps the first pasta layer soft.

Step 2: Add Lasagna Sheets

Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce. Make sure the whole surface is covered.

Step 3: Add Meat Sauce

Spread a generous amount of the beef sauce over the pasta layer. Ensure it spreads to the edges.

Step 4: Add Béchamel Sauce

Pour a ladle of béchamel on top of the meat sauce and spread evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer of your cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—cheese is what makes this lasagna special.

Repeat the layers

:

  • Pasta sheets
  • Meat sauce
  • Béchamel
  • Cheese

Continue until your dish is full. End with béchamel on top and a thick layer of mozzarella and parmesan for a golden crust.

Baking the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown.

Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up and makes slicing easier.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Lasagna

  • Use fresh lasagna sheets if possible—they cook faster and taste better.
  • Let the sauces simmer—strong flavor comes from slow cooking.
  • Don’t skip the resting time—it keeps the pieces from falling apart.
  • Add extra cheese between layers for maximum stretchiness.
  • Combine cheeses—mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for flavor, ricotta for creaminess.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

1. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Swap beef for shredded chicken and use Alfredo instead of tomato sauce.

2. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Great for vegetarians—just layer spinach with ricotta and béchamel.

3. Four-Cheese Lasagna

Combine mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and provolone for a rich cheesy explosion.

4. Spicy Beef Lasagna

Add chili flakes, smoked paprika, or jalapeños for a bolder taste.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy lasagna pairs beautifully with:

  • Garlic bread
  • A fresh green salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • A cold drink like iced tea or soda

It’s a complete meal that needs very little on the side because the flavors are already rich and satisfying.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the cheese crispy.

Lasagna often tastes even better the next day!

Final Thoughts

This creamy cheesy beef lasagna is the perfect comfort dish—rich, satisfying, and packed with irresistible layers of meat, pasta, and melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or simply indulging in a cozy meal at home, this recipe guarantees success every time. The golden cheese topping, the creamy interior, and the bold flavors make it a dish that everyone will request again and again.

Leave a Comment