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A rectangular white ceramic dish filled with layered lasagna, showing golden-brown melted cheese on top, bubbling edges, and visible layers of pasta, ricotta, and marinara sauce garnished with fresh basil.

Classic Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese

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Classic Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese is an authentic Italian dish featuring layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, baked to perfection for a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this lasagna recipe delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that will impress everyone at the table.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 lasagna noodles (preferably no-boil for convenience)
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. Optionally, add chopped fresh basil or parsley.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread ricotta mixture over noodles, sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
  4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can prepare the lasagna the day before and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving.
  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles for quicker assembly.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Regular

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 480 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg