Traditional Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta Cheese: A Family Favorite

Lasagna has a way of bringing people together like few other main dishes can. It layers soft noodles, hearty meat sauce, and creamy ricotta so perfectly that each slice feels like a little piece of comfort. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a festive gathering with friends. No wonder many people rank it high on their list of must-have dishes.

A traditional lasagna recipe takes a bit of time, but the payoff is huge. You get the perfect blend of tangy sauce, melty cheese, and tender pasta in each layer. If you’ve been on the hunt for the best lasagna recipe, this one featuring ricotta belongs at the top of your list. It calls for straightforward ingredients you can find anywhere, and the steps are simple to follow. There’s no need for fancy tricks here—just classic flavors done right.

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

Gather these essentials to create this homemade lasagna recipe:

For the meat sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the ricotta cheese mixture:

• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Other ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

This lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese blends all the right flavors and textures. Once you have everything ready, you’re set to start cooking.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until they’re al dente, then drain them and keep them from sticking together by laying them out or lightly drizzling with oil.
2. While the pasta is cooking, set a wide pan over medium heat. Brown the ground beef (or sausage), breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. 
3. Let them cook for a couple of minutes until they soften. 
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, plus a bit of salt and pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors can deepen.

Cooking

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). 
2. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and salt until the mixture looks smooth. 
3. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lay down a few noodles to form the first pasta layer. 
4. Spoon on about half of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle some mozzarella, then add more meat sauce.
5. Continue layering until everything’s used, making sure the top gets a final dose of sauce and mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. 
6. Remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.

Serving

Pull the lasagna out of the oven and give it at least 10 minutes to rest. That makes it easier to slice and helps the layers stay neat.

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you want a little extra color.
• Serve each piece with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread.

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

Here’s a look at what you’re getting per serving, though these numbers can vary a bit:

Tips and Variations

This traditional lasagna recipe easy to adapt. Here are some ideas:

• Lighten It Up: Swap in ground turkey for the beef and try cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
• Elevate the Flavor: Layer in some sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach.
• Skip Gluten: Use gluten-free noodles or thinly sliced zucchini for the pasta layers.

Lasagna is all about flexibility, so don’t be afraid to try something different.

Conclusion

A solid lasagna recipe can bring a cozy vibe to any meal, whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends. This homemade lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese keeps things classic while delivering amazing taste. You’ll find that people can’t resist taking seconds once they’ve tried it. Give it a go and enjoy a time-honored comfort food that never fails to please!