Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta
Lasagna with ricotta is a classic Italian comfort food layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. This family-friendly dish is ideal for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought ingredients, it’s sure to impress with every bite.
Ingredients List
– 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1½ cups ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Stir in pasta sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles, spread ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella, then add more meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
Finish with a layer of noodles topped with sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil.
Bake for 25 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
Serves 6–8
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 420
Carbs: 32g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 22g
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze baked lasagna slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
A glass of red wine or sparkling water pairs nicely with this dish.
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for winter holidays, potlucks, or hearty weekend dinners.
Also great for meal prep and make-ahead freezer meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions if not using oven-ready noodles. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg until smooth. Set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the lasagna in a 9×13-inch baking dish:
– Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom
– Add a layer of noodles
– Spread some ricotta mixture over noodles
– Sprinkle with mozzarella
– Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce and cheese on top
Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Conclusion
This lasagna recipe with ricotta is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Easy to customize with your favorite meats or veggies, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for the week. Serve it up hot and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite.
Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta
6–8
servings20
minutes45
minutes420
kcalThis classic lasagna with ricotta features rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella layered between tender pasta sheets. A hearty, comforting dish everyone will love!
Ingredients
– 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1½ cups ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Stir in pasta sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles, spread ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella, then add more meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Finish with a layer of noodles topped with sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
Recipe Video
Notes
- You can use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time—no boiling needed.
Let the lasagna rest before cutting to keep layers intact.
Add spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta layer for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the meat and use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead.
Q2: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
You can substitute cottage cheese for a lighter texture, though ricotta gives a creamier result.
Q3: How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Drain any excess liquid from sauces and cooked vegetables, and let the lasagna rest before cutting.
