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Beef Lasagna
A HUGE tray of beef lasagna
Dinner: A slice of beef lasagna served with garlic roasted asparagus
Note: There are detailed step by step photos on making the lasagna in this post.
This is my unauthentic way of making lasagna. I’m not sure what’s the authentic way, but I just have a feeling that mine is not authentic heheh … but it doesn’t matter as long as the lasagna tastes great right ;p I made my life much easier by ‘cheating’ whenever I can – for example, I use lasagna sheets that do not require precooking, shredded cheeses, and a bottle of pasta sauce instead of making the tomato paste from scratch. I love cooking shortcuts and not a purist in this sense I guess. I’ve always love lasagna since young so I was pleased that I manage to make it in the kitchen … now I can have lasagna whenever I want. Sometimes when I ordered lasagna at cafes (and also baked rice for that matter), I notice they tend to reheat it over and over again, causing it to be rather dry. If you cook it at home, this won’t be that much of a problem. It was quite a bit of work actually to arrange the pasta sheets & ingredients but it’s worth the effort if you consider that a huge tray like the one I made can feed many people (making it a great party food for potluck).
Ingredients
(Serves about 6 people – fills a roasting tray measuring 26cm by 20cm)
Recipe adapted from startcooking.com
– 1 large onion, sliced
– About 500g shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 small bottle of pasta sauce, 400g
– pasta sheets* (I use about 9 sheets for a 3 layered lasagna) , choose the type that don’t require pre cooking
– 600g minced beef
– 1/2 to 1 cup red cooking wine
– 1 tbsp olive/vegetable oil
– 5 bay leaves (optional)
– a bit of grated parmesan cheese/shredded ricotta cheese (optional)* I use San Remo’s Instant Lasagna – oven ready lasagna sheets
You also need
– a roasting tray (mine measures 26cm by 20cm) or a disposable aluminum pan
Directions
Step 1: Heat some oil in a saucepan or wok, and saute the sliced onions till they are translucent.
Step 2: Fry the minced beef for a while, then add the pasta sauce (reserve a few tablespoons for step 5!), bay leaves and red cooking wine.
Step 3: Mix evenly, cook till beef is browned, bring to a simmer and dry consistency, season with salt & pepper if you like and off the flame.
Step 4: In a roasting tray, first spread a layer of pasta sauce with the back of the spoon at the bottom.
Step 5: Now we can start to layer the ingredients using this order.First Layer – Noodles, Meat, Cheese
Second Layer – Noodles, Meat, Cheese
Third Layer – Noodles, CheeseIn this step, lay 3 overlapping lasagna sheets over the sauce as shown in the photo above.
Step 6: Add a layer of the previously cooked ground beef (use half the amount). I also sprinkled some chopped parsley as I happen to have some in the fridge.
Step 7: Sprinkle some shredded cheese (slightly less than 1/3) to cover the beef.
Step 8: Lay 3 overlapping sheets on top.Step 9: Repeat for the second layer (See step 6 & 7 photos) – Add the remaining beef and spread evenly on top of the lasagna sheets, then add another layer of cheese (less than 1/3).
Step 10: Lay another 3 overlapping sheets over, then top with a final layer of remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add some shredded ricotta or grated parmesan cheese if you like. Bake in preheated oven of 200C for approximately 30 minutes till the top is slightly browned, and the sauce is bubbling.
The final product
I haven’t made beef lasagne in a long while. I have visitors coming over this sunday and I think I’m gonna go ahead and try this! Thanks!
Hey, our hamster boy Pitus also departed so few days ago! (3). It´s been so sad! When i´ve reached the end of your post and I´ve seen the picture of your hamster I´ve just had to smile to see Neko´s face, and I´ve thought what a coincidence! Somehow I feel better and I´ve remembered our Pitus again.
Lasagna is still in my outstanding cooking list. Your step-by-step guide has boosted my confidence to give it a try. Tks for sharing.
Sorry to hear about Neko. I am sure he will be happy to see your homemade lasagna.
That lasagna looks so good!
hi, i used oven ready lasagna sheets but they came out hard even after 40min. would it be okay to blanch them in boiling water first even though they are oven ready?
Thanks everyone, your comments are appreciated :)
sara, thanks for visiting me, I’m sorry to hear about your hamster Pitus. May your little one rest in peace.
pris, yes … if for some reason you can’t get your lasagna to cook in the oven, you can try cooking the lasagna according to package instructions till al dente, drain and put on paper towels to absorb excess water. Hope this works for you.
Looks great, and that’s all that matters right?
I’m so sorry about your pet.
hi, that looks really good. authentic or not, as long as it tastes yummy. by the looks of the pics, i think they do!!
my first time here. great blog.
Cool step by step.. So cool how you make all the colors pop.
Your hamster named “tiny cat” looks so cute. May he RIP.
I dont know why im afraid to make lasagna on my own. Didn’t know there’s such thing as ready to use lasagna sheet! Def gonna start looking for that. Thanks Wiffy!