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The BEST Classic Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese — Hearty, Cheesy & Better Than Any Restaurant! Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

A classic, hearty lasagna layered with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella cheese. This homemade recipe combines perfectly cooked noodles with rich flavors, baked to golden bubbly perfection, making it better than any restaurant version.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Noodles

  • 12 lasagna noodles

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided: 1/4 cup in ricotta, 1/4 cup for topping)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired and set aside.
  4. Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to prevent sticking. Layer about 3 noodles evenly over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese on top. Add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce. Finish with a top layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, the rest of the mozzarella cheese, and remaining Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
  5. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to cook thoroughly and meld flavors. Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  6. Let it rest: Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it set for cleaner slices. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Season the ricotta mixture with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.
  • Including an egg in the ricotta mixture helps to bind the cheese, providing structure and preventing the filling from being too runny.
  • Let the lasagna rest after baking to ensure easier slicing and serving.
  • If desired, use no-boil lasagna noodles to streamline the preparation process.

Find it online: https://oliviadinner.com/the-best-classic-lasagna-with-ricotta-cheese-hearty-cheesy-and-better-than-any-restaurant-recipe/