Classic Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta Cheese

Lasagna with ricotta cheese is a timeless Italian favorite that combines layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta for a perfectly comforting meal. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or special occasions when you want a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Using ricotta adds a velvety texture and subtle tang, balancing the flavors beautifully. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this lasagna recipe is straightforward and delivers delicious results every time.

Ingredients Of Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta

Why You Will Love This Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta

This lasagna is creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. The ricotta cheese adds a smooth texture that melts perfectly in your mouth, while the homemade meat sauce enriches every bite. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized with your favorite herbs and veggies. This dish is also great for meal prepping and freezes well, making it convenient for busy schedules.

Preparation Process Of Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta

Start by cooking the lasagna noodles if you’re using regular ones. While noodles cook, prepare the meat sauce by sautéing onions and garlic, browning the meat, and simmering it in marinara sauce. Mix ricotta cheese with egg and Parmesan to create the creamy filling. Once everything is ready, assemble the layers in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden.

Step By Step Instructions

Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Simmer the sauce: Pour in marinara sauce, stir well, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes to develop rich flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Mix the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Layer the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of cooked or no-boil lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until ingredients are used, finishing with noodles topped with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.

Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Rest before serving: Let the lasagna rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

How to Serve?

• Cut into square portions and serve warm.
• Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in vinaigrette.
• Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty Italian bread.
• Add a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors.
• Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley for color and aroma.

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 420
2. Protein: 32g
3. Fat: 18g
4. Carbohydrates: 30g
5. Fiber: 3g
6. Sugar: 6g

Recipe Card

Classic Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta Cheese

Recipe by Rachael ray

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

This classic lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese features layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta filling. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles (12 sheets, cooked or no-boil)

• Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb)

• Marinara sauce or tomato sauce (4 cups)

• Ricotta cheese (15 oz)

• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup)

• Large egg (1)

• Garlic cloves, minced (2)

• Medium onion, diced (1)

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

• Fresh basil and parsley, chopped (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Simmer the sauce: Pour in marinara sauce, stir well, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes to develop rich flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
• Mix the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
• Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Layer the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of cooked or no-boil lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until ingredients are used, finishing with noodles topped with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.
• Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
• Rest before serving: Let the lasagna rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
• Use no-boil noodles to save time—just ensure there’s enough sauce.
• Prepare up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Conclusion