Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce: A Must-Try!

Who can resist the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling cheese and rich, savory meat sauce wafting through the kitchen?

This Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce is not just another baked pasta dish; it’s a warm embrace on a cold night, a showstopper at family gatherings, and a sure-fire way to get everyone around the table—all without hours of prep. Seriously, you’ll feel like an Italian nonna whipping up a masterpiece, but with way less effort. 🍝

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love this lasagna for a bunch of reasons!

• Easy Cleanup: With built-in layers of flavor, you’ll spend less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying it. Who doesn’t want that?
• Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults) adore cheesy, meaty goodness. You’ll have happy faces all around—bonus points for turning a typical weeknight into a feast!
• Affordable: Most of these ingredients are pantry staples. That’s right—your wallet will thank you too!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente, or use oven-ready)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Directions

Let’s get into it! Follow these simple steps for a lasagna that’ll have everyone raving:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until creamy.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Layer as follows: Noodles, Meat sauce, Ricotta mixture, Mozzarella. Repeat for 3–4 layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing for neat layers.

How to Make Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce: A Must-Try! (Overview)

Making this lasagna isn’t rocket science, I promise. Start by browning the meat and letting those flavors meld while you whip up that creamy ricotta mix. Then, it’s all about layering—like a delicious pasta cake! Don’t skip toasting the garlic; it makes all the difference! Remember to let it rest afterward; nobody likes a lasagna that falls apart like a bad breakup.

How to Serve Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce: A Must-Try!

Serving this lasagna is an art! Pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing crunch, and don’t forget some garlic bread on the side for extra carb-loading. The golden-brown cheese will be inviting, and the layers will shine with vibrant colors—who wouldn’t want to dive in? 🌟

How to Store Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce: A Must-Try!

Have leftovers? Lucky you! This lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just seal it well to avoid freezer burn! When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven straight from the freezer; just add a bit of extra time to ensure it’s heated through.

Tips to Make Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce: A Must-Try!

Here are some insider tricks to level up your lasagna game:

• Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor kick.
• Swap in vegetarian ground meat or mushrooms for a veggie twist.
• Don’t skimp on salt and pepper—they’ll bring out the flavors like magic!
• If you want a creamier texture, mix a bit of heavy cream into the ricotta.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a layer of spinach or zucchini to sneak in some veggies, or even substitute the meat with your favorite plant-based protein for a vegan twist. Options are endless!

FAQs

• Can I use no-cook lasagna noodles?
  Absolutely! Just make sure your sauce is wet enough for them to cook through.

• How do I make this lasagna ahead of time?
  Assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving!

• Can I freeze it after baking?
  Yes, but let it cool completely first. Wrap it tightly and enjoy later!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce

A delicious and easy-to-make lasagna filled with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork) Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Toast the garlic for added flavor.
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For a bit of heat.
• 1 tsp sugar Balances the acidity of tomatoes.

Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg Helps bind the mixture.
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil Use fresh herbs for better flavor.

Pasta & Toppings

• 12 pieces lasagna noodles (cooked al dente or use oven-ready) Cook according to package instructions if not using oven-ready.
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Extra for topping.
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until creamy.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Assembly

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat for 3–4 layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing for neat layers.

Notes

Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.