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Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta

A hearty and delicious lasagna featuring layers of rich meat sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and a creamy blend of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting family dinner on a budget.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizers & Snacks Main Courses Desserts Breakfast & Brunch Lunch Dinner Beverages Quick & Easy Meals Holiday Specials
Cuisine Italian American Mexican Mediterranean Asian Indian French Greek Japanese Chinese Vegetarian Vegan Gluten-Free
Servings 4 People
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot For sauce and boiling noodles
  • 1 Baking Dish 9×13-inch recommended
  • 1 Oven Preheated to 375°F

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 9 lasagna noodles cooked
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Prepare the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, a beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
  • Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat the layering process (noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce.
  • Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
  • Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (ensuring the foil does not touch the cheese). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, then serve.
Keyword Healthy Budget-Friendly Family-Friendly Low-Carb Keto Paleo Dairy-Free Nuts-Free One-Pot Meals Sheet Pan Meals Slow Cooker Instant Pot Grilled Baked Fried