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Classic Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta: The Best Homemade Layered Pasta Bake

A thick, layered slice of baked lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and melted mozzarella on top.
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Follow this simple, straightforward recipe to make a rich cheese lasagna featuring a creamy ricotta filling. This is the best lasagna recipe for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, substitute with mushrooms for vegetarian)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  2. If using meat, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. While the sauce simmers, prepare the creamy ricotta lasagna filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix well until fully combined. This is the best ricotta cheese mixture for lasagna.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Begin assembling the layers. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
  11. Spoon about one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, one-third of the mozzarella, and another layer of sauce.
  13. Top with the final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top.
  14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
  15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  16. Let the rich cheese lasagna recipe rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set.

Notes

  • For a make ahead lasagna, assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • If you want a quicker preparation, use oven-ready lasagna noodles and skip the boiling step, but ensure your sauce is slightly thinner to allow the noodles to absorb enough moisture during baking.
  • To achieve a perfect, creamy ricotta lasagna filling texture, use whole milk ricotta; low-fat versions can sometimes become watery.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/lasagna-recipe-with-ricotta/