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A layered baked pasta with beef sauce, creamy bechamel, and melted cheese for a classic family-style tray that works well for weekends and gatherings.
Lasagna is one of those tray-bake dinners that rewards a little extra setup at the beginning. Once the meat sauce and bechamel are ready, the rest is mostly a matter of layering and letting the oven finish the job.
This version leans rich and family-style, with enough sauce and cheese to keep the slices soft rather than dry. It is useful for weekends, potlucks, or any meal where you want something that can be baked once and portioned easily.
Because it holds heat well, it also fits shared tables better than many faster pastas that need to be served immediately.
The sauces should be thick enough to layer without running all over the pan. If either sauce is too loose, the finished lasagna can spread when cut.
Resting after baking matters too. Giving the tray about 10 minutes before slicing helps the layers settle and keeps the portions more intact.
Serve lasagna warm with a simple salad or garlic bread if you want a fuller spread. A small amount goes a long way because the layers are rich.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for several days and reheat easily. Individual portions also freeze well for make-ahead meals.
If you are assembling ahead, make sure the top layer has enough sauce to keep the noodles from drying out in the oven. That one detail does a lot to protect the finished texture, especially around the corners of the pan.
A layered baked pasta with beef sauce, creamy bechamel, and melted cheese for a classic family-style tray that works well for weekends and gatherings.

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Heat olive oil in a skillet. Saute onions until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through.
Stir in tomatoes, mushrooms, and tomato paste. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper, and oregano.
Simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and mix in grated parmesan.
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and stir for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
Stir in cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt. Cook 5 more minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Spread meat sauce at the bottom of the baking pan.
Layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, bechamel, and grated cheese. Repeat layers.
Bake 30–40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
8/11/2025
I swapped beef with chicken and it was still amazing. Great adaptable recipe for busy weeknights.
5/10/2025
Absolutely delicious! The layers held together so well, and the sauce was perfectly balanced.
11/8/2024
I love how simple and approachable this lasagna recipe is. Perfect for home cooks who want great results.
5/7/2024
Made it for a potluck and everyone asked for the recipe. I added a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
2/6/2024
I followed this to the letter and it came out restaurant-quality. The mornay sauce is a game-changer.
11/5/2023
A hit with the kids! I used cheddar instead of parmesan and it was still delicious. Thanks for the step-by-step guide.
9/4/2023
This lasagna turned out amazing! The bechamel made it so creamy and comforting. Will definitely make it again for Sunday lunch.
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Serving Size: 1 slice
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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