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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
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
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.