Parmesan Garlic Beef Lasagna

Looking for a lasagna recipe that’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with bold garlic flavor? This Parmesan Garlic Beef Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy garlic béchamel, tender lasagna noodles, and gooey cheese come together in this classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Flavorful – Garlic and Parmesan infuse every bite with deep, savory goodness.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd – Makes generous portions and tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – Use your favorite cheeses or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Freezer-Friendly – Great for make-ahead meals or leftovers.
Restaurant-Quality – Impress your guests with this classic baked pasta masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Garlic Parmesan Béchamel Sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:
9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing spoons
Large pot for boiling noodles (if not using no-boil)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Béchamel
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw taste.
Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
If using regular noodles, cook according to package instructions.
Drain and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking.
If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Add a layer of noodles over the sauce.
Spread ⅓ of the garlic béchamel over the noodles.
Top with ⅓ of the meat sauce and a handful of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, béchamel, meat sauce, mozzarella.
Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining béchamel, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Parmesan Garlic Beef Lasagna
Use Fresh Garlic – It adds a richer, more authentic flavor than garlic powder.
Grate Cheese Fresh – Freshly grated Parmesan melts and blends better than pre-shredded.
Let It Rest – Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing prevents it from falling apart.
Add Layers – For extra richness, layer in ricotta or spinach if desired.
Cook Noodles Al Dente – If using regular noodles, slightly undercook them so they finish baking in the oven.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – Crisp and refreshing with a creamy dressing.
Roasted Vegetables – A healthy side that complements the rich lasagna.
Sparkling Water or Iced Tea – Light drinks that refresh the palate.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole lasagna tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble and refrigerate it a day ahead. Just bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I use jarred Alfredo instead of homemade béchamel?
   You can, but the homemade garlic béchamel gives it a richer, more authentic flavor.
3. What can I substitute for beef?
   Ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also go meatless with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
4. How do I prevent watery lasagna?
   Make sure your sauces are thick and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing.

Final Thoughts
Parmesan Garlic Beef Lasagna is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s hearty, garlicky, and irresistibly cheesy—just the way lasagna should be. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or freezing portions for busy weeknights, this dish is always a win.
Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 640mg

Print