There’s something deeply comforting about a classic dish done right—like a cheesy beef lasagna that offers layers of rich flavors and creamy textures. This dish represents a timeless culinary tradition that brings families together around the dinner table, filled with laughter and stories.
Preparing lasagna from scratch is more than just a cooking endeavor; it’s a craft that melds simple ingredients into something spectacularly delicious, proving that some of the best meals come from a combination of patience, love, and a bit of culinary magic.
Cheesy Beef Lasagna: A Timeless Comfort
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, juicy meat, and gooey cheese into a dish that feels like a hug in every bite. As you embark on this cooking journey, remember that each layer you add builds more than just flavor—it builds memories.
Whether for a special occasion or a regular family dinner, this lasagna promises to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone satisfied and connected through the universal language of good food.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8
Equipment:
- Large stock pot
- 9″ x 13″ baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Foil
Cheesy Beef Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (500 mL) onion, chopped
- 2 cups (500 mL) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 lbs (1.3 kg) lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) chili powder
- 3 cans (852 mL) Campbell’s® Condensed Tomato Basil Oregano Soup
- 3 cups (750 mL) Campbell’s® Ready to Use No Salt Added Beef Broth
- 4 cups (1 L) light ricotta cheese
- 3 cups (750 mL) mozzarella, shredded
- 1 cup (250 mL) Parmesan, grated
- 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) black pepper
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Begin by sautéing the onions and mushrooms for 5 minutes until they caramelize, creating a rich base for your lasagna.
- Add garlic and ground beef, sautéing for another 5 minutes or until the beef is well browned. Sprinkle in the chili powder and stir for 2 minutes, layering in deep, spicy notes.
- Pour in the soup and allow it to simmer with the beef for 5 minutes, then add the broth and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and black pepper. Mix well to create a creamy cheese layer that will add richness to your lasagna.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. To assemble, spread 2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread half of your cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 2 ½ cups of meat sauce. Add another layer of 4 noodles.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining cheese mixture and another 2 ½ cups of meat sauce, topped with the last 4 noodles.
- Finish with the remaining meat sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan, and the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
After removing your lasagna from the oven, let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This not only makes it easier to slice but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a perfect slice of cheesy goodness that captures the essence of a well-made lasagna.