Lasagna with Ricotta 🍝🧀
This lasagna with ricotta is a delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of rich meat sauce, smooth ricotta, and melted mozzarella, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
🔹 For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup red wine (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
🔹 For the Ricotta Filling:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
🔹 For the Lasagna:
12 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente, or use no-boil noodles)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, along with the red wine (if using).
Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley (optional). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then top with another layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta, sauce, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent sticking, you can either spray the foil with cooking spray or use parchment paper).
Bake the lasagna for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
5. Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot with garlic bread and a side salad.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna:
✅ Use a mix of cheeses: A combo of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives the lasagna great flavor and texture.
✅ Let it rest: Allow the lasagna to rest before cutting so the layers set and don’t fall apart.
✅ Add vegetables: You can sneak in veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
✅ Make it ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge before baking. It also freezes well for later!