Classic Beef Lasagna Ricotta (Printable)
Hearty Italian layers of beef, ricotta, and mozzarella baked until golden and bubbling.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meat Sauce
01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 lb ground beef
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - ½ tsp black pepper
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1 tsp dried basil
09 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tsp sugar
→ Ricotta Filling
13 - 15 oz ricotta cheese
14 - 1 large egg
15 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tbsp dried
17 - ¼ tsp salt
18 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Pasta & Cheese
19 - 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
20 - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
21 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
03 - Add ground beef along with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart, approximately 6 minutes.
04 - Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Adjust seasonings as needed.
05 - While the sauce simmers, boil noodles according to package instructions unless using no-boil variety. Drain and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking.
06 - Combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
07 - Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 4 noodles atop the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over noodles, followed by 1 cup of meat sauce and 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat two more times, ending with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
08 - Cover the dish with foil (lightly greased or lined with parchment to prevent sticking). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
09 - Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
10 - Allow lasagna to rest for 15 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This lasagna layers rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta in a way that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
- The balance of herbs and cheese makes it a comforting favorite you'll keep coming back to.
02 -
- Simmering the sauce uncovered is key to developing deep flavors and a perfect thick texture.
- Oiling the foil before baking prevents the cheese from sticking and keeps the top layer intact when removed.
03 -
- Brown the beef thoroughly to unlock rich meaty flavors essential to a standout sauce.
- Layering carefully ensures every bite has the perfect balance of filling and noodles, making the experience unforgettable.