Who doesn’t love a lasagna recipe with ricotta? This creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet impressive. Its rich layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese make it an irresistible choice for everyone at the table. Interestingly, did you know that lasagna dates back to ancient times, even before tomatoes were introduced to Italy? That’s right, this iconic dish has evolved over centuries to become the beloved classic we know today. Whether you’re feeding a large family or hosting friends, this lasagna recipe with ricotta will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Compared to our popular Spaghetti Bolognese, which focuses on simplicity and speed, this lasagna recipe with ricotta offers more depth in flavor and texture while being just as simple to prepare. Furthermore, making lasagna from scratch not only saves money but also allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. So why wait? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
What Is Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta?
Ever wondered why it’s called lasagna? The name comes from the Greek word “lagnon,” referring to flat sheets of dough cut into strips, a precursor to the pasta we use today. But here’s a fun fact: traditional Italian lasagna didn’t always include tomato sauce because tomatoes weren’t native to Europe until much later! Instead, early versions featured creamy sauces like pesto or butter-based concoctions.
Today, however, a lasagna recipe with ricotta stands out as a crowd favorite thanks to its luscious blend of flavors. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this lasagna recipe with ricotta proves it. Consequently, ready to impress your loved ones? Keep reading to discover how to create this masterpiece at home!
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta
Main Highlight: Layers of Comfort
What makes this lasagna recipe with ricotta unique is its perfectly balanced layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it unforgettable. Additionally, the combination of juicy Italian sausage, ground beef, and aromatic herbs elevates the dish to new heights.
Cost-Saving Benefits: Budget-Friendly Delight
Making this lasagna recipe with ricotta at home saves money compared to buying pre-made options. In fact, most ingredients are pantry staples, ensuring convenience without breaking the bank. Therefore, whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or simply craving comfort food, this recipe fits perfectly within your budget.
Flavorful Ingredients: Elevate Your Taste Buds
The secret lies in the combination of aromatic garlic, juicy Italian sausage, ground beef, and fresh herbs. Topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, this lasagna recipe with ricotta takes comfort food to new levels. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors that will satisfy any palate.
How to Make Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta
Quick Overview
This lasagna recipe with ricotta is straightforward, requiring minimal prep work and delivering maximum satisfaction. From browning the meat to assembling the layers, every step contributes to creating a mouthwatering masterpiece in under two hours. Additionally, the simplicity of the process ensures that even beginners can achieve restaurant-quality results.
Key Ingredients for Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta
Meat Sauce:
- ¾ pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- ¾ pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese Filling:
- 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups sliced or shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the dish cooks evenly throughout. Starting with a preheated oven is essential for consistent results in your lasagna recipe with ricotta.
2: Cook Meat Mixture
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Allow it to warm up for about 1–2 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and ground beef to the pot. Use the back of a wooden spoon or spatula to break up any large chunks as they cook. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a rich, golden-brown color.
- Once the meat is fully browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and soft. The aroma of sautéed garlic will fill your kitchen, adding an irresistible depth of flavor.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, ensuring it coats the meat mixture evenly. Next, incorporate the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried Italian seasoning, salt, basil, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3: Prepare Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Ricotta cheese
- Beaten egg
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the cheese filling hold its shape during baking. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herby note that complements the richness of the ricotta in this lasagna recipe with ricotta.
4: Boil Noodles
- Fill a large pot with water and generously season it with salt—this prevents the noodles from becoming bland. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm but tender). Avoid overcooking them, as they will continue to soften during the baking process.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from sticking together. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel if necessary.
5: Assemble Lasagna
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Begin by spreading 2 cups of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a flavorful base for the layers.
- Arrange 4 cooked noodles in an even layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping them if necessary. Ensure there are no gaps between the noodles to avoid exposed areas that might dry out during baking.
- Spread half of the cheese filling (about 1 cup) evenly over the noodles. Repeat the process twice more, alternating between meat sauce, noodles, and cheese filling. For the final layer, top with the remaining meat sauce, ensuring all the noodles are fully covered.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan evenly over the top layer of sauce. These cheeses will melt beautifully during baking, creating a gooey, golden crust.
6: Bake
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, spraying the underside of the foil lightly with non-stick spray to prevent cheese from sticking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If you’d like a deeper golden-brown finish, increase the oven temperature to broil and broil the lasagna for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7: Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to set properly, making it easier to cut neat slices without the filling oozing out excessively. Serve hot and enjoy your lasagna recipe with ricotta!
How Many Layers Does Lasagna Have?
This traditional lasagna recipe with ricotta features three distinct layers, each contributing to its rich and comforting flavor profile. The layers alternate between sauce, noodles, and cheese filling, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. To finish it off, the dish is topped with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of cheeses (either shredded or fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan).
Starting with a base layer of sauce ensures that the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the dish or risk burning during baking. Here’s a quick breakdown of the layers for easy reference:
- Start: Spread 2 cups of meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Layer 1: Arrange 4 lasagna noodles, followed by 1 cup of ricotta mixture, then another 2 cups of meat sauce.
- Layer 2: Repeat the pattern—add 4 more noodles, top with 1 cup of ricotta mixture, and cover with 2 cups of meat sauce.
- Layer 3: Finish with 4 noodles, a final layer of meat sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
By following this structured approach, you’ll achieve perfectly layered lasagna that bakes evenly and delivers maximum flavor in every bite.
What to Serve With Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta
To complement this rich and hearty lasagna recipe with ricotta, consider pairing it with lighter sides. For instance, a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables adds freshness and balance to the meal. Alternatively, garlic bread provides a satisfying accompaniment that enhances the overall dining experience. Additionally, for drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices pairs beautifully with the flavors of the lasagna.
Top Tips for Perfecting Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta
- Substitute Mushrooms or Spinach: If you’d like to add extra nutrition, incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the cheese filling. These additions bring both color and nutrients to the dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: When using no-boil noodles, reduce the baking time slightly since the noodles cook directly in the sauce during baking.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Overcrowding the pan while browning the meat can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for the meat to sear properly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage extends the life of your lasagna recipe with ricotta, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for days. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze portions for up to 3 months for future enjoyment. When reheating, microwave individual servings or bake uncovered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Furthermore, broiling for a few minutes gives the cheese a delightful golden crust.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll create a perfectly layered, creamy, and flavorful lasagna recipe with ricotta that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy cooking!
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Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Description
This easy lasagna recipe is a classic comfort meal that the whole family will love. Creamy, cheesy, and meaty, it’s perfect for special occasions or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- ¾ pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- ¾ pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
- 2 cups sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking up any chunks with the back of a spoon while stirring occasionally. Cook until browned (about 6–8 minutes).
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until tender (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water, and drain again to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Spread 2 cups of meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange 4 cooked noodles in an even layer over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread half of the cheese filling (about 1 cup) evenly over the noodles.
- Repeat the layers once more: sauce, noodles, cheese.
- Top with the remaining 4 noodles, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil (spray the foil lightly with non-stick spray to prevent cheese from sticking).
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Increase the oven temperature to broil and broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set properly. Enjoy!
Notes
- Rinsing the Noodles : Do not skip rinsing the lasagna noodles after cooking. Rinsing stops them from cooking further in residual heat and prevents sticking.
- Cheese Options : Use either sliced fresh mozzarella or low-moisture shredded mozzarella for the topping. Both work beautifully.
- Prevent Sticking : If the lasagna is near the top of the baking dish, spray the aluminum foil with non-stick spray before covering to avoid cheese sticking.
- Cover All Noodles : Ensure all noodles are fully covered with sauce and cheese to prevent them from drying out during baking.
- Resting Time : Letting the lasagna rest is crucial, it allows the layers to settle, making slicing easier and neater.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 864 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
