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The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Rich Meat Sauce and Creamy Ricotta

A thick, multi-layered slice of homemade lasagna featuring rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta cheese.
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This classic Italian American lasagna recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. You will layer tender pasta with a rich ground beef meat sauce and a creamy ricotta cheese filling, topped with plenty of mozzarella for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Add ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This develops the rich flavor.
  5. Prepare the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange a single layer of cooked noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  11. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  13. Top with the final layer of noodles, and spread any remaining sauce over the top noodles. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese.
  14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  15. Bake for 25 minutes covered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  16. Let the ultimate lasagna recipe rest on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can make this lasagna ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • For a make ahead frozen lasagna, assemble completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or add 30 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from frozen.
  • If you prefer a less traditional approach, you can substitute the ricotta filling with a simple béchamel sauce for a creamier texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/best-homemade-lasagna-recipe/