Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta

ByCeleste Marlowe

Few dishes embody comfort and indulgence quite like a homemade lasagna. Layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned meat come together to create a hearty, soul-satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing a Sunday dinner for family, hosting a special gathering, or simply craving an Italian classic, this Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta is guaranteed to impress.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through every step of creating the perfect lasagna, from selecting ingredients to layering techniques, along with expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in!

Why Ricotta is Essential in Lasagna

Ricotta cheese plays a crucial role in achieving that signature creamy texture in lasagna. Unlike heavy béchamel sauce, which is used in some variations, ricotta provides a light yet rich consistency that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. When combined with eggs, Parmesan, and seasonings, it creates a flavorful, structured layer that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and the savoriness of the meat.

Ingredients for the Perfect Lasagna with Ricotta

Before we begin assembling our lasagna, let’s go over the essential ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sugar (to balance acidity)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Lasagna Layers:

  • 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lasagna with Ricotta

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
  6. Add water, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
  7. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

  1. If using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside on a flat surface.
  4. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Stir until smooth and well combined. This will be one of the key layers in your lasagna.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Lay down 3-4 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping them.
  4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
  6. Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella until all ingredients are used.
  7. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (lightly tented to avoid sticking).
  2. Bake for 25 minutes covered.
  3. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  4. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set properly.

Expert Tips for the Best Lasagna

  • Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit before slicing prevents it from falling apart.
  • Use fresh herbs: If available, add fresh basil or parsley to enhance flavor.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. This helps develop richer flavors.
  • Freeze for later: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Variations of Lasagna with Ricotta

Want to customize your lasagna? Here are some delicious variations:

  • Vegetarian Lasagna: Swap the meat for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
  • Spicy Lasagna: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
  • White Lasagna: Use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara and add shredded chicken.
  • Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles or layer with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna is a hearty meal, but pairing it with complementary sides makes it even more enjoyable. Here are a few great options:

  • Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery, and perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
  • Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Adds color, nutrition, and balance to the meal.
  • Red Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese enhances the flavors of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta if you prefer a lighter texture.

How do I prevent lasagna from being too watery?

Use thicker sauces, drain excess liquid from ricotta, and avoid overloading with sauce.

What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes to retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

A well-made Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta is a showstopper that brings people together over a delicious meal. With its perfect balance of flavors, creamy ricotta layers, and gooey cheese, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, you’re in for a delightful Italian feast.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade lasagna—buon appetito!

The Ultimate Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta

This Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta is a classic Italian dish featuring layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, seasoned ground meat, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this comforting dish is packed with flavor and easy to make ahead for meal prep or freezing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb 450g ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sugar

For the Ricotta Mixture:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Lasagna Layers:

  • 12 lasagna noodles regular or no-boil
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes), then drain excess grease.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
  • Add water, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.
  • Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

  • If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water until al dente.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

  • In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mix well until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Add 3-4 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping them.
  • Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Repeat layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used.
  • Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

  • Cover with foil (lightly tented).
  • Bake for 25 minutes covered.
  • Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
  • Variations: Substitute ground turkey for beef, add spinach for a veggie boost, or use gluten-free noodles.