If you’ve ever longed for a heartwarming, satisfying Italian classic that fills your home with irresistible aromas, you’re in for a treat with this Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe. Layers of rich, savory meat sauce mingle perfectly with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, all nestled between tender pasta sheets. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that bring comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you’re serving a family gathering or craving a soulful dinner, this recipe remains a beloved staple that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting all your ingredients ready will make assembling this lasagna a breeze. Each component plays a vital role, from the robust meat sauce to the smooth ricotta and stretchy mozzarella that create those luscious layers you’ll adore.
- Lasagna noodles (9): Use oven-ready for convenience or traditional noodles to cook in advance for the perfect texture.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): Provides a hearty and savory base for the meat sauce without excess fat.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic depth when sautéed with garlic.
- Garlic cloves (4), minced: Delivers that classic pungent bite essential to Italian flavors.
- Canned whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz): For a rich, fresh tomato taste and slightly chunky texture in the sauce.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz, no added sugar): Helps create a smooth, luscious sauce base without extra sweetness.
- Dried oregano (2 tsp): Brings that distinctive earthy, slightly minty Italian herb essence.
- Dried basil (2 tsp): Complements oregano with a sweet, peppery flavor for balance.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): Adds creamy softness and a slightly tangy note between layers.
- Shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to give that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sprinkles a salty, nutty finish inside the layers and on top.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Meat Sauce
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it warm and ready for baking this flavorful dish. While it preheats, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan to cook alongside the beef, letting those aromas build. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. Stir in the canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil, then let this simmer gently for 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully into a rich, hearty meat sauce that’s the soul of the lasagna.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
While your sauce simmers, grab a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, a pinch of salt, pepper, and some of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will bring creamy, delicate pockets of flavor that contrast superbly with the robust meat sauce. The egg helps the filling set as the lasagna bakes, ensuring every layer holds together perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
In your chosen baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. This prevents sticking and sets a tasty foundation. Next, lay down a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture scattered evenly. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese to add richness and creaminess. Repeat this layering sequence — meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella — until you’ve used up all ingredients, finishing off with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top. This cheesey crown will melt into a bubbly, golden topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Bake Your Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake the lasagna for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This final step lets the top get beautifully golden and bubbly, creating that stunning presentation and delightful crust that everyone looks forward to. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before slicing — this helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your lasagna visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over each serving. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper adds an inviting touch. These simple garnishes bring a fresh brightness that pairs perfectly with the warm and hearty layers inside.
Side Dishes
Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe enjoys company, so consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette for balance. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus add a healthy, colorful contrast that keeps the meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in pretty ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a charming touch. Layered in clear glass dishes or trifle bowls, the stunning strata of noodles, sauce, and cheese become a feast for the eyes before the first bite. A drizzle of infused olive oil or chili oil over the top adds flair and a hint of extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness. When you’re ready for a second helping, the flavors will have had even more time to meld, making it taste even better.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save portions for another time, this lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing that wonderful texture and flavor balance. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover lasagna gently to preserve its luscious layers. Oven reheating at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes works best to warm it evenly without drying out the cheese. Alternatively, microwave portions covered loosely helps speed things up, but keep an eye to avoid overheating, which could toughen the noodles and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe. Just be mindful to cook the turkey thoroughly and adjust seasoning if needed, as turkey can be milder in flavor.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles first?
If you choose oven-ready lasagna noodles, there is no need to boil them beforehand. Traditional noodles should be cooked according to package instructions until al dente before layering, to ensure they soften properly during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mixture of diced veggies like zucchini and eggplant. Adjust the seasoning and simmer the sauce just as you would for the meat version to keep all the wonderful flavors.
What is the purpose of adding an egg to the ricotta mixture?
The egg acts as a binder for the ricotta cheese mixture in this Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe. It helps the ricotta layer set during baking, preventing it from becoming too runny and keeping the layers distinct and creamy.
Can I prepare this lasagna a day ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, assembling the Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even better. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe — it brings people together with its comforting layers and deeply satisfying flavor. I encourage you to try making this at home; once you taste those rich meat sauce layers paired with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, you’ll understand why it remains a timeless favorite in kitchens everywhere. Happy cooking, and buon appetito!
Print
Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce recipe features layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce made from ground beef and tomatoes, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting Italian-American favorite that serves 8 people and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce (no added sugar)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the sauce lean.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir well and simmer the sauce on low heat for 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with one large egg, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then layer lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread some of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, followed by a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers—meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Using oven-ready noodles saves time as you don’t need to boil them beforehand.
- Drain excess fat from the meat to reduce overall fat content in the dish.
- Letting the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving ensures cleaner slices.
- You can substitute part of the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Leftover lasagna can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
