Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the meat sauce simmers, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the ricotta cheese mixture, one-third of the meat sauce, and one-third of the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers: lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, another one-third of the meat sauce, and another one-third of the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles, remaining meat sauce, and remaining béchamel sauce. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Amazing lasagna! The béchamel was perfect. The flavor was complex and satisfying. Best lasagna I have ever eaten!
Excellent! The combination of meat sauce and creamy béchamel is perfect. This lasagna is a real crowd-pleaser. Highly recommended.
This is the best lasagna recipe I've ever tried! The layers were perfect, and the flavors were so well-balanced. It was a hit at my dinner party.
Very good. I added some ricotta cheese to the layers, and it was fantastic. Great recipe, will make again.
Very tasty lasagna. I liked the texture and the cheese. I might try adding a touch of nutmeg to the béchamel next time for a little extra warmth.
