Mom’s Braised Beef Lasagna for 8

An indulgence in decadence: braised beef lasagna. Learn how to create this classic comfort food loaded with authentic Italian flavors that will captivate your senses.

Braised beef lasagna is a harmonious blend of tender, slow-cooked beef, a rich and velvety tomato sauce and a combination of silky smooth cheeses, all enveloped in layers of delicate pasta. Embrace the ultimate comfort food experience as this family favorite envelopes you in its authentic Italian flavors, warmth and culinary artistry.

Lasagna Al forno with meat sauce

Lasagna with bechemel

Bechamel is a rich and creamy sauce made with butter, milk, flour and seasonings, such as nutmeg. The sauce has a consistency similar to Alfredo. Bechamel is more common with lasagna created in northern Italy. Our ancestry is Sicilian. Our family never used a bechamel sauce in our cooking, instead using ricotta, mozzerella and pecorino Romano cheeses.

What are the origins of lasagna?

The exact origins of lasagna are shrouded in culinary history, with various regions claiming its creation, with claims even from the UK. However, the dish’s roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, where flat pasta sheets called “laganon” were layered with various savory ingredients. These early lasagna-like dishes were likely brought to Italy by Greek colonists, where they evolved over time to incorporate local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Ancient Greek Origins:

The earliest documented reference to a lasagna-like dish appears in the Greek play “The Acharnians” by Aristophanes, written around 425 BC. In the play, a character describes a dish called “laganon” consisting of thin sheets of dough boiled in broth and seasoned with herbs and spices.

Evolution in Ancient Rome:

The Romans adapted the Greek laganon, incorporating it into their own culinary traditions. This included a wider variety of sauces and fillings, including meat, vegetables and cheeses. Early Roman lasagna dishes were often baked in clay pots and served as hearty meals for both the poor and the wealthy.

Spread and Adaptations in Italy:

During the Middle Ages, lasagna spread throughout Italy, with each region developing its own unique variations. In Naples, a meat-based lasagna with a rich tomato sauce emerged, while in Emilia-Romagna, a béchamel-based lasagna with a variety of meats and cheeses became popular.

Modern Lasagna:

Lasagna as we know it today is believed to have originated in Naples during the 19th century. The Neapolitan lasagna included a tomato-based sauce, ragù (meat sauce), and a béchamel sauce, layered between sheets of pasta. This combination of flavors and textures quickly gained popularity throughout Italy and eventually spread worldwide.

Can Lasagna be Made Ahead of Time and be Frozen?

Creating a homemade lasagna involves two main steps. The first is preparing the sauce, which in this case is a braised beef tomato sauce. This step can take approximately three to four hours, but the good news is that the sauce can be prepared in advance. The sauce we used in preparing this blog post was made five days before assembling the lasagna.

Once the sauce is prepared, the second step is to make the lasagna. While lasagna can be prepared in advance, there are a few key guidelines to follow.

Rule 1: Make it no more than 24 hours ahead of time.

Rule 2: Omit mozzarella cheese if making it ahead of time. Mozzarella tends to develop an unpleasant flavor when assembled prematurely. Instead, add the mozzarella cheese as a topping just before baking if preparing it in advance.

Rule 3: Avoid freezing the lasagna. Freezing negatively impacts the texture of the ricotta cheese, resulting in a noticeable difference in taste. When I order this dish at a restaurant, I can tell in one bite if it was made ahead and frozen. This experience has led to certain restaurants being added to my “do not return” list.

Recipe for Lasagna for 2 or Lasagna for 4

Assemble the lasagna in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet, following the same layering technique as you would for a full-sized lasagna. The cooking time will be reduced to about 30 minutes, resulting in a perfectly portioned lasagna for two or four people.

Lasagna sides

A plate of lasagna is a full meal, however if you must have a side consider a salad, garlic bread or traditional meatballs and sausage.

Ingredients for Braised Beef Lasagna

This lasagna recipe uses braised beef in place of meatballs as is made in a traditional Italian tomato sauce. The list of ingredients can be viewed below in the recipe card.

Easy Braised Beef Lasagna Recipe

Braising beef involves a slow-cooking method that transforms tough cuts into tender and flavorful morsels of meat. To begin, brown the beef in batches to ensure even cooking. Choose a pan that can withstand high temperatures (some nonstick pans are not suitable for high heat). Add a drizzle of oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Sear the beef on all sides until it develops a nice brown color.

While the meat is browning, add chopped onion and garlic to a large sauce pan coated with olive oil. Cook until the onions are translucent. Do not burn. Add San Marzano tomatoes, or your favorite brand to the pot. Use an emulsion blender to purée the tomatoes. Option is to purée the tomatoes using a traditional blender before adding them to the pot. Add browned beef, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and can be pulled apart. Pull the beef and return to the sauce.

Top the noodles with a generous layer of the prepared ricotta cheese, followed by another layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese. Spread the cheese evenly to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the lasagna.

Continue adding layers of noodles, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella, alternating until you have at least four layers. For a visually appealing finish, top the lasagna with a final layer of sauce and mozzarella.

Place the lasagna in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for approximately one hour, or until the lasagna is heated through. If using disposable aluminum trays, consider using the pan covers displayed to the right to enhance the presentation for your guests.