Beef Lasagne

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!

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

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.

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.

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

Step 2 - Add The Beef

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

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

Step 3 - Cook The Sauce

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

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

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.

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.

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. 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!

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

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