Baked Beef Lasagna with Three Cheeses Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that is the very definition of comfort and elegance combined, look no further than Baked Beef Lasagna with Three Cheeses. This magnificent creation layers a rich beef ragù with creamy béchamel sauce and a heavenly blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. The result is a casserole that bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece with a delightfully crisp top and an irresistibly tender interior. Every forkful offers a deeply savory experience, with smooth, melty textures and harmonious flavors that make this lasagna a treasured favorite for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Beef Lasagna with Three Cheeses relies on simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its robust flavors, luscious texture, and inviting golden color. Here’s what you need and why these essentials work so beautifully together.

• Ground beef: The hearty backbone of the ragù, providing rich, meaty depth.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics infuse the meat sauce with warm, savory notes.
• Canned crushed tomatoes: Brightens the ragù with natural sweetness and acidity.
• Italian seasoning: Adds fragrant herbal layers that marry all the flavors.
• Lasagna noodles: Tender pasta sheets that soak up delicious sauces perfectly.
• Whole milk: Forms the creamy base for the béchamel sauce, lending silkiness.
• Butter and flour: The classic combo that thickens béchamel to velvety perfection.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly and offers that quintessential stretchy cheese pull.
• Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty punch that enhances overall richness.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, mild tang that balances the hearty beef.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every layer of this dish.

How to Make Baked Beef Lasagna with Three Cheeses

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Ragù

Start by heating a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns evenly. Once no longer pink, stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 20 minutes so the flavors meld into a deeply savory ragù that’s thick enough to hold its own between pasta layers.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

While the ragù simmers, it’s time to craft the silky béchamel. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, forming a smooth roux. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook this gently until it thickens to a luxurious velvety consistency. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This creamy sauce adds a luscious contrast to the robust beef, keeping each bite beautifully moist.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and ricotta cheese. The blend of these three cheeses is what truly sets this lasagna apart, creating layers that are creamy, melty, and bursting with flavor. This mixture will be generously spooned over the noodles along with the sauces for perfect cheese distribution.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef ragù on the bottom. Lay noodles over the sauce, then add a layer of béchamel followed by the cheese mixture. Repeat this process — ragù, noodles, béchamel, cheese — until your ingredients run out, finishing with a final generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan for a beautifully golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve that irresistible golden-brown and slightly crispy top. Once baked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes – this helps the layers set nicely and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Baked Beef Lasagna with Three Cheeses

Garnishes

Elevate your Baked Beef Lasagna with Three Cheeses by adding fresh garnishes like chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley. These bright green herbs add a burst of freshness and a lovely contrast to the rich, cheesy layers. A light sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan just before serving can bring an extra touch of savory decadence.

Side Dishes

This hearty lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides that balance its richness. A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables provide perfect textural contrast and lighten the meal. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complement the Italian flavors and help soak up that delicious sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, serve the lasagna straight from the baking dish with a large serving spoon so guests can scoop generous portions. Alternatively, cut into individual squares and plate with a drizzle of basil oil or a dollop of fresh ricotta on top to impress at dinner parties. For a fun twist, try layering the ingredients in smaller ramekins for personal servings that look absolutely charming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Beef Lasagna with Three Cheeses keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, sealed tightly in an airtight container. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it just as delightful the next day—or even better.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully, too. To freeze, assemble the dish but stop before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen—just add extra baking time with the dish covered to heat through evenly.

Reheating

When reheating, cover the lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. To revive that crisp cheesy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes. Microwave is an option for single portions, but the oven method preserves textures best.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or a mixture of meats can give your lasagna a different flavor profile while still maintaining that hearty texture. Just adjust cooking times if needed.

Do I have to boil the lasagna noodles before assembling?

This recipe works best with no-boil noodles or pre-cooked ones. If using regular dry noodles, boil them until al dente to avoid any undercooked pasta in your baked dish.

How can I make the béchamel sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker béchamel, cook the roux a bit longer before adding milk or reduce the milk slightly. For a thinner sauce, add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon smoothly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the beef ragù with a rich tomato and mushroom sauce or a hearty vegetable ragù, keeping the three cheeses and sauces the same for that luscious texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover the lasagna tightly with foil during reheating to retain moisture. Adding a splash of water or extra béchamel on top before reheating can also help keep it creamy and prevent drying.

Final Thoughts

Trying the Baked Beef Lasagna with Three Cheeses is like inviting warmth and comfort into your kitchen, wrapped in layers of cheesy, meaty goodness. Whether it’s for a cozy family meal or a celebratory dinner, this lasagna won’t just satisfy hunger—it will make memories. Dive into this dish and enjoy every luscious bite that only homemade lasagna can bring.