Lasagne is a timeless classic, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. This beef and vegetable lasagne recipe combines hearty ground beef with a medley of fresh vegetables, layered between tender pasta sheets and smothered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce and creamy béchamel.
The result is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to try something new, this recipe is approachable and adaptable.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing any of that classic lasagne charm.
Preparing this dish is a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and create a meal that’ll warm hearts and stomachs alike. Perfect for meal prep or special occasions, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef and vegetable lasagne recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it balances rich, savory beef with fresh, nutritious vegetables, making each bite both hearty and wholesome.
The layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel create a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
Additionally, it’s highly customizable. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add extra spices to suit your taste.
It’s also a fantastic way to make sure the family enjoys their veggies in a delicious way. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for planning ahead.
Lastly, this recipe uses accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, so you don’t need to be a master chef to succeed. If you love recipes like this, you might also want to check out our Amazing Vegetarian Lasagna Recipes for Every Occasion for more inspiration!
Ingredients
- 500g lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 150g mushrooms, sliced
- 400g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 lasagne sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked)
- 500ml milk
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 150g grated mozzarella cheese
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for cheese and vegetables
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper, grated carrot, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes until the veggies soften.
- Make the tomato sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: While the meat sauce simmers, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Add the milk gradually: Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease your baking dish.
- Assemble the lasagne: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the base of the dish. Layer 4 lasagne sheets on top. Next, add a generous layer of meat sauce, then spoon over some béchamel sauce. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with béchamel on top.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Place the lasagne in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest before serving: Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers.
You can swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or eggplant work beautifully here.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or try a vegetarian twist by replacing the meat with lentils or a mix of mushrooms and walnuts. If you want to explore more vegetarian options, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This beef and vegetable lasagne pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Consider serving alongside garlic bread or a simple steamed vegetable medley for a balanced meal.
For a lighter drink option, a chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon complements the richness of the dish perfectly. If you prefer wine, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot enhances the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
This beef and vegetable lasagne is a comforting, delicious dish that brings together the best of hearty meat and fresh vegetables in a classic Italian favorite. Its layers of rich tomato meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese make it a satisfying meal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.
Easy to prepare yet impressive in flavor, this recipe is sure to please both family and friends. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or try a vegetarian variation by exploring our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals to inspire your next lasagne adventure.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Beef and Vegetable Lasagne
Description: A hearty lasagne layered with seasoned beef and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H30M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 400g canned crushed tomatoes
- 200g lasagne sheets
- 300g ricotta cheese
- 200g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in carrot, zucchini, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Layer lasagne sheets over the sauce, then add ricotta cheese and more meat sauce.
- Repeat layers, finishing with meat sauce and topping with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 30 g
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