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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Beef Lasagne

    Published: Mar 3, 2025 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 47 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    a baking dish of lasagne, with a tea towel wrapped around it, with a serving being lifted out

    Craving a delicious homemade beef lasagne but short on time? This super quick and easy recipe is your new best friend! With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty, comforting lasagne ready to feed the whole family in no time.

    No fuss, no complicated steps—just layers of meaty goodness and melted cheese that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle!

    A baking dish of lasagne, with a tea towel wrapped around it, and a large spoon lifting some out of the dish

    When it comes to family favourite dinners, lasagna is a top contender—right alongside creamy carbonara, chicken, bacon and rice casserole, one pot taco pasta and tuna pasta bake.

    It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for filling hungry tummies after a busy day.

    And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make a delicious lasagne—my quick and easy beef lasagne requires very little time and is ready to enjoy in just one hour!

    Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

    There’s so much to love about this cheesy beef lasagne—it’s the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and family appeal.

    • Quick & easy – Unlike traditional lasagne recipes, this one comes together in just 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner without the long wait.
    • A family favourite – Ask any kid what their top dinner picks are, and chances are, lasagne will be at the top of the list! The cheesy, meaty, and carb-filled layers are irresistibly delicious—who can say no to that comforting combo?
    • Freezer-friendly – Make a double batch and store any leftovers in the freezer for up to three months. Lasagne is one of those rare dishes that gets better when reheated, so you’ll have a tasty, fuss-free meal ready to go whenever you need it.
    • Cheat’s version – My easy beef lasagne is packed with oozy, gooey cheese—but without the fuss of making a béchamel sauce (cheese sauce)! This simple swap saves you both time and effort while keeping all the rich flavour that makes lasagne so special.

    It’s the perfect solution for busy families who want to enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal.

    Lasagne in a baking dish, resting on a tea towel with a serving of lasagne on a plate in the foreground.

    What You Need

    This easy homemade lasagna is made with just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand:

    Note: scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and a detailed method.

    ingredients for beef lasagne laid out on a marble countertop

    Here’s a simple breakdown of the ingredients:

    • Onion & garlic: Use a finely diced brown or yellow onion. You can either buy minced garlic or mince fresh garlic cloves yourself.
    • Beef mince: This is also called ground beef. I recommend using lean mince mince/lean ground beef.
    • Tomato paste: Adds a rich, deep flavour to the sauce.
    • Tinned tomatoes: Go for diced or crushed tomatoes.
    • Beef stock: You can use liquid beef stock, or make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of beef stock powder with 1 cup of water.
    • Dried Italian herbs: I use a mix of parsley and oregano, but feel free to use any Italian seasoning you like.
    • Cheeses: Mozzarella cheese makes the lasagne nice and gooey, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top adds that perfect finishing touch.
    • Lasagne sheets: Use fresh lasagne sheets as they cook faster and stay softer and more moist than dried sheets (depending on where you live, lasagne sheets may be called lasagna noodles).

    Equipment Required

    Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need for making this easy lasagna recipe:

    1. Large saucepan, large pan or large skillet– For cooking the beef sauce.
    2. Large spoon or spatula – To stir the sauce and prevent it from sticking.
    3. Ovenproof baking dish or casserole dish – To layer and bake the lasagne.
    4. Sharp knife – For chopping the onion, garlic, and other ingredients.
    5. Chopping board – To safely chop all your veggies and garlic.
    6. Grater – For grating the cheese.
    7. Measuring spoons – To measure out your seasoning and herbs.
    8. Measuring jug – To measure liquids like stock and milk.
    9. Aluminum foil – To cover the lasagne while baking (optional).

    With these tools, you’ll be all set to make your lasagne!

    Step By Step Instructions

    It takes just 20 minutes and a few simple steps to prepare my easy beef lasagna recipe.

    Note: scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and a detailed method.

    Step 1 - Sauté

    Add the diced onion and minced garlic to a large frying pan.

    a frying pan with diced onion and minced garlic

    Sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until soft and translucent.

    lightly sautéed diced onion and garlic in a frying pan

    Step 2 - Add The Beef

    Add the minced beef, breaking up the clumps with a spoon.

    raw mince added to a frying pan with softened onion

    Brown ground beef mince until cooked through and the liquid has evaporated.

    mince browned in a frying pan with diced onion

    Step 3 - Cook The Sauce

    Add the tomato paste, tomatoes, beef stock, Italian herbs and salt and pepper.

    stock, canned tomatoes, herbs and seasoning added to browned mince in a frying pan

    Bring to a boil and then simmer over medium-high heat (stirring occasionally) for 15 - 20 minutes.

    Lasagne meat sauce cooked in a frying pan

    Step 4 - Assemble

    Lightly spray the baking dish with cooking spray to stop the lasagne from sticking to the bottom of the dish.

    Assemble the lasagne by adding a layer of sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

    Top with layers of pasta, the beef mixture and then the cheese layer.

    an oval baking dish with beef mince filling layered with lasagne sheets

    Repeat the layers until you have used all of the sauce and lasagne sheets.

    Finish with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle grated parmesan over the top of the lasagne.

    grated cheese layered on top of a beef lasagne

    Step 5 - Bake

    Bake in a preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through, and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown on top.

    Tip: If you notice the cheese over-browning too much, add a loose sheet of foil over the top or move to a lower shelf in the oven.

    Serving Suggestions

    Here are some quick and easy serving ideas to make your beef lasagne even more delicious—perfect for busy mums!

    1. Garlic Bread – Because who doesn’t love a quick and crispy side of garlic bread to scoop up all that cheesy goodness?
    2. Green Salad – A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of vinaigrette is an easy way to add a fresh touch to your meal.
    3. Roasted Veggies – Toss some zucchini, carrots, and sweet potato in olive oil, pop them in the oven, and you've got a healthy side that pairs perfectly with your lasagne.
    4. Steamed Broccoli—A quick steam makes this a healthy, light side dish that’s packed with goodness and balances out the richness of the lasagne.
    5. Homemade Caesar Salad – If you’re after something a bit more indulgent, a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons is always a crowd-pleaser and so simple to make.
    6. Crispy Roasted Potatoes – If you've got a few extra minutes, roasted potatoes or wedges are a great hearty side to complete your lasagne meal.

    These sides will make your lasagne feel even more special, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!

    a serving of lasagne on a plate with a fork

    Expert Tips

    Here are some expert tips for making the perfect cheesy beef lasagne without the béchamel sauce:

    1. Use the Right Cheese – For that perfect melty, gooey texture, use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan. Mozzarella gives you that stretchy, cheesy goodness, while parmesan adds a little extra flavour.
    2. Let the Meat Sauce Simmer – Make sure your beef sauce has plenty of time to cook and thicken, so it doesn’t make your lasagne soggy. A good 15-20 minutes of simmering allows the flavours to develop and the sauce to reduce to the perfect consistency.
    3. Layer It Right – Start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of your dish to prevent sticking, then alternate layers of sauce, pasta sheets, and cheese. Finish with a generous topping of cheese for a crispy, golden top.
    4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time – After your lasagne comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice without losing all that cheesy goodness.
    5. Use a Rich Tomato Sauce – The base sauce should be packed with flavour. Adding garlic, onion and herbs will really bring the taste of the sauce to life.
    6. Add Extra Veggies – Sneak in some finely grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavour without altering the taste too much. It’s an easy way to add hidden veggies the kids will love!
    7. Reheating: you can reheat lasagne in a low oven or in the microwave.
    8. Storing: store any leftover lasagne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
    9. Freezing: You can freeze leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow it to defrost in the fridge or microwave before reheating.

    Follow these tips, and you’ll have a cheesy, mouth-watering beef lasagne that’s easy to make and sure to be a family favourite!

    FAQs

    How do I prevent my lasagne from being too watery?

    To avoid a watery lasagne, ensure your meat sauce is thickened before layering it. Let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce. Additionally, be sure to layer your lasagne properly, starting with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.

    Can I substitute the beef for another type of meat?

    Yes! You can easily swap beef for other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or even lamb. Each will give a slightly different flavour, but they all work well in lasagne. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead of meat.

    How long does leftover beef lasagne last in the fridge?

    Leftover beef lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully, and some even say it tastes better the next day! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, bake at 180°C (350°F) until hot throughout.

    A closeup of a serving of lasagne with a piece on a fork in the foreground

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    a baking dish of lasagne, with a tea towel wrapped around it, with a serving being lifted out

    Easy Beef Lasagne

    A quick and easy beef lasagne that's extra cheesy and ready to eat in just 1 hour! With no need to make a bechamel sauce, it is the perfect midweek family dinner!
    5 from 109 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour
    Servings: 8 serves
    Calories: 341kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 1 tbs olive oil
    • 1 onion finely diced
    • 1 clove garlic crushed or 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 500 g beef mince
    • 65 g (5 tbsp) tomato paste
    • 800 g canned tomatoes
    • 500 g (2 cups) liquid beef stock
    • 2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs oregano, parsley
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 250 g mozzarella cheese shredded
    • 50 g parmesan cheese grated
    • 375 g packet fresh lasagne sheets not dried
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Conventional Method

    • Heat the olive oil in a saucepan or deep frying pan. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until soft and translucent.
    • Add the beef mince, breaking the clumps apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
    • Stir through the tomato paste, canned tomatoes, beef stock and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Bring to the boil and then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
    • Lightly grease a large baking dish.
    • Spoon ½ cup of the bolognese sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish.
    • Layer with the fresh lasagne sheets and ¼ of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
    • Repeat with the meat, lasagne sheets and mozzarella until you have 4 layers, finishing with a mozzarella layer.
    • Sprinkle over the grated parmesan cheese.
    • Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
    • Leave to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

    Thermomix Method

    • Place the roughly chopped onion and garlic clove for 5 seconds, Speed 7. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
    • Add olive oil and sauté for 2 minutes, 100 degrees, Speed 1.
    • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, herbs, salt and pepper and cook for 20 minutes, 100 degrees, Speed 1.
    • Add mince through the hole of the lid and mix with the aid of spatula. Cook for 8 minutes, 100 degrees, REVERSE, Speed soft.
    • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
    • Lightly grease a large baking dish.
    • Spoon ½ cup of the bolognese sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish.
    • Layer with the fresh lasagne sheets and ¼ of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
    • Repeat with the meat, lasagne sheets and mozzarella until you have 4 layers, finishing with a mozzarella layer.
    • Sprinkle over the grated parmesan cheese.
    • Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
    • Leave to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
    Conventional oven: if your oven is not fan-forced, increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees and keep a close eye on the lasagne while cooking to ensure it is not browning too much.
    1. Use the Right Cheese – For that perfect melty, gooey texture, use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan. Mozzarella gives you that stretchy, cheesy goodness, while parmesan adds a little extra flavour.
    2. Let the Meat Sauce Simmer – Make sure your beef sauce has plenty of time to cook and thicken, so it doesn’t make your lasagne soggy. A good 15-20 minutes of simmering allows the flavours to develop and the sauce to reduce to the perfect consistency.
    3. Layer It Right – Start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of your dish to prevent sticking, then alternate layers of sauce, pasta sheets, and cheese. Finish with a generous topping of cheese for a crispy, golden top.
    4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time – After your lasagne comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice without losing all that cheesy goodness.
    5. Use a Rich Tomato Sauce – The base sauce should be packed with flavour. Adding garlic, onion and herbs will really bring the taste of the sauce to life.
    6. Add Extra Veggies – Sneak in some finely grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavour without altering the taste too much. It’s an easy way to add hidden veggies the kids will love!
    7. Reheating: you can reheat lasagne in a low oven or in the microwave.
    8. Storing: store any leftover lasagne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
    9. Freezing: You can freeze leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow it to defrost in the fridge or microwave before reheating.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 630mg | Potassium: 727mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 12.5mg | Calcium: 259mg | Iron: 3.3mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!

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    Comments

    1. Elyssa says

      November 10, 2024 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      My favourite lasagne recipe. Super easy and soo tasty!!! I always make 2 at a time and give one to a friend or freeze one for future me.

      Reply
    2. Brent says

      March 17, 2024 at 3:14 am

      Hey I am planning to make this the upcoming week and had a quick question, how big of a dish did you use for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        March 17, 2024 at 8:32 am

        Hi Brent - any large baking dish (approx 30 X 40cm) will work 🙂

        Reply
    3. Emme says

      February 02, 2024 at 2:23 pm

      Hi I’m about to make this today…what are the quantities? The amount of onion how much garlic, beef etc? Thank you

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        February 04, 2024 at 1:09 pm

        Hi Emme, you'll find all of this info in the recipe card at the very bottom of the post (or click the jump to recipe button)

        Reply
    4. David says

      October 29, 2023 at 5:58 am

      5 stars
      Made this today so easy to make it came out amazing it tasted lush. I used dry lasagna sheets and used a hollandaise sauce and four cheese on top will be making this again thanks for this great recipe.

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        October 29, 2023 at 7:25 am

        Fantastic!

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 109 votes (100 ratings without comment)

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    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

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