Best Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta Cheese

You will love the rich flavor and comforting layers of the Best Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta Cheese - a true Italian classic! With layers of noodles, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and three kinds of cheese, including creamy ricotta, this lasagna is always a favorite!

If you like this recipe, check out my smoked lasagna on a pellet grill next!

I absolutely love this classic lasagna recipe! It's one of those dishes that always brings smiles to everyone around the table. The incredible flavors make it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner.

This comfort-food classic is always in high demand in my family, especially for special occasions like birthday dinners.

Each bite of this lasagna is a burst of flavor, thanks to the combination of ricotta cheese, noodles, ground beef, and a melty blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

The best part is that this homemade lasagna is surprisingly easy to make. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven work its magic.

For the ultimate comfort meal, serve this lasagna alongside Grandma's Air Buns or Soft Burger Buns!

If you're short on time but still craving lasagna, you can try my Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna! It's a quick and convenient alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor. Perfect for those busy days when you need a lasagna fix in a flash!

💗 Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Layers of Flavor: From the savory ground beef to the aromatic blend of spices, each bite of this lasagna is bursting with deliciousness.
• Creamy Ricotta Cheese: The addition of ricotta cheese brings a luscious, creamy texture to the lasagna, taking its flavor to the next level.
• Cheesy Goodness: With three types of cheese—ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella—this lasagna is a dream come true for cheese lovers.
• Family-Friendly: Whether you're feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this recipe is a hit with both kids and adults - your whole family will love it!
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the lasagna ahead of time and simply bake it when you're ready, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep. You can also freeze unbaked lasagna as well.
• Classic Italian Comfort Food: Lasagna is a beloved dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a sense of tradition to any gathering.
• It’s incredibly easy to make – all you need to do is layer the ingredients and bake until golden brown. With just 20 minutes of prep time and just over an hour of cooking time, this dish is ready to eat in about an hour and a half.
• Makes great leftovers - Leftovers taste great the next day! It makes for an easy meal throughout the week - which makes meal planning so much easier!

🥫 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

All of the simple ingredients you need to make this easy lasagna recipe can be found at your local grocery store.

• Ground beef. For the best flavor, I recommend using ground chuck. You can also use sweet Italian sausage if you like. However, if you prefer a leaner option, extra-lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken will work well too.
• Onion + garlic. I love the flavor of fresh onion and garlic, but you can use green onion for a milder taste.
• Bell pepper. You can use any type of bell pepper, whether it's red, green, or yellow. I also added a small jalapeno pepper - but this is optional.
• Lasagna noodles. While I used traditional noodles that require cooking, you can save time using no-boil noodles or opting for gluten-free ones if needed.
• Ricotta cheese. I used store-bought whole milk ricotta cheese. I suggest making homemade ricotta cheese if you have the time. You can also use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone cheese.
• Parmesan cheese. I recommend using freshly grated parmesan cheese; however, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used instead.
• Mozzarella cheese. Freshly grated mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds that classic stretch to the lasagna. For variation, Provolone cheese or cheddar cheese can be used instead.
• Tomato sauce. This provides a flavorful base for the lasagna. You can make your own Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce or use a canned tomato sauce.
• Canned tomatoes. While I used fresh whole tomatoes, you can also use a 14 oz. can of crushed tomatoes.
• Spices: I used oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. You can add additional spices such as fresh parsley, basil, thyme, or a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• White wine vinegar. This secret ingredient adds a delightful tang and depth of flavor to the lasagna - making it exceptional. If you don't have white wine vinegar on hand, you can use red wine vinegar or red or white wine instead.

See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a complete list of ingredients.

🥘 How To Make Ricotta Cheese Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, sugar, and white wine vinegar.

Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Boil Lasagna Noodles

While the ground beef is cooking, make the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente.

Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking. Toss them with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and set them on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread a cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the pan. This will prevent the noodles from sticking.

Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles (about 3-4) over the meat sauce, slightly overlapping them.

Spread a third of the meat sauce over the noodles.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the noodles.

Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese over the mozzarella, dropping spoonfuls every 1 to 2 inches.

Sprinkle ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.

Add a second layer of noodles over the cheese layer, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.

Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Top it off with another layer of lasagna noodles.

Finally, add the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Pro Tip: Add four toothpicks to the top and place foil on the dish. This will prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Place the covered lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.

After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.

If desired, broil the lasagna for a few minutes at the end to achieve a golden-brown, crispy top.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Garnish with fresh parsley or fresh basil if desired.

Cut into individual slices and serve warm alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread.

💭 Expert Tips

• Customize the recipe by adding other vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to the meat sauce.
• Use oven-ready lasagna noodles for convenience and to save time.
• Use pasta sauce instead of canned tomatoes, canned tomato sauce, and tomato paste to speed up the preparation.
• If using no-boil noodles, add extra sauce or water to ensure they cook properly during baking.
• Let the lasagna to rest before serving to ensure neat slices and well-set layers.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add more vegetables or substitute with plant-based ground meat alternatives.

Related Recipes: Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna and Rigatoni Al Forno With Italian Sausage.

🥖 Side Dishes

• A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Crusty garlic bread or homemade breadsticks for dipping.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Smoked Corn on the Cob

🧾Recipe FAQs

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