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Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta

A classic Italian casserole featuring tender noodles, creamy ricotta, robust tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.

  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
  • 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup water or broth

Instructions

  1. Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until just al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain noodles thoroughly and layer them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  5. Add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and caramelize briefly.
  7. Pour in marinara sauce, then add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  8. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, adding water or broth if needed.
  9. Combine ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan, and chopped parsley in a bowl, mixing gently.
  10. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  11. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, and mozzarella in succession.
  12. Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, about 10-15 minutes.
  13. Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, garnishing with parsley.

Notes

Use whole-milk ricotta for creamier filling. Allow the lasagna to rest for clean slices.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian option available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: lasagna, ricotta, pasta, Italian recipe, comfort food