Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna is a comforting dish that brings together layers of pasta, ground beef, and creamy béchamel sauce. This delicious casserole is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep for the week. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not just about the taste; it’s about the experience. Making lasagna is an enjoyable process, allowing you to bring all the ingredients together for a hearty meal. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy nights. The combination of juicy beef, creamy béchamel, and melty cheese creates a delicious dish that everyone loves!
How to Make Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups béchamel sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and ground beef; cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them.
- In a baking dish, start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top, then pour on the béchamel sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of béchamel and mozzarella on the top.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the last layer.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
How to Serve Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna
Serve this mouthwatering lasagna warm, cut into squares on a plate. It goes great with a side salad or garlic bread. Don’t forget to add fresh basil on top for a nice touch and extra flavor!
How to Store Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cover the lasagna well with foil or plastic wrap before putting it in the freezer.
Tips to Make Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna
- To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles.
- Make the béchamel sauce the day before to speed up the cooking process.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variation
You can customize this lasagna by using different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone. Additionally, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I make Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge before baking.
2. Is it possible to freeze Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna?
Absolutely! Just freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
3. Can I use store-bought béchamel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought béchamel sauce to save time, but homemade béchamel tends to have a richer flavor.
Making Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna is simple and rewarding. With its layers of flavor and satisfying texture, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones!
Béchamel Cheese Beef Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce Can use homemade or store-bought.
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagna Assembly
- 9 pieces lasagna noodles Can use traditional or no-boil noodles.
- 2 cups béchamel sauce Can use homemade or store-bought.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- Fresh basil For garnish before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and ground beef; cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them.
Assembly and Baking
- In a baking dish, start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top, then pour on the béchamel sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of béchamel and mozzarella on the top.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the last layer.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh basil.
