Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce: A Must-Try!

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty plate of lasagna, don’t you think? It’s like a warm hug on a plate, layered to perfection with the kind of rich flavors that can make the world feel like a better place. I remember the first time I made this Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce; it was a chilly evening, and my friends gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up as the bubbling dish emerged from the oven. Since then, it has become a cherished staple in my kitchen—this dish brings family and friends together, one cheesy bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s talk about why this lasagna is a must-try. First off, it’s all about the layers. Each forkful is a delightful adventure, with the meat sauce blending beautifully with the creamy ricotta and the gooey mozzarella. The balance of flavors is simply divine!

The meat sauce, simmered to perfection, boasts a rich tomato flavor complemented by aromatic herbs that waft through your kitchen like a fragrant Italian breeze. And let’s not forget about the texture—crispy edges, tender noodles, and a gooey, cheesy top that’s just waiting to be pulled apart.

This recipe isn’t just about taste. It’s also about love and connection. Every family has its own version, passed down through generations, making this dish a celebration of home-cooked nostalgia. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most of a cold night—leftovers are a dream for lunch the next day!

Gather These Ingredients

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—the ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect lasagna experience:

• Ground Beef (or Beef & Pork Mix): You’ll need 1 lb. The beef gives that classic savory depth to the sauce. Pork can add a touch of sweetness, too, if you mix them.

• Onion: Just 1 small onion, finely chopped, to add that savory foundation.

• Garlic: You can’t go wrong with 3 cloves, minced. It’s where the flavor magic begins!

• Crushed Tomatoes: Grab a 28 oz can. This is your sauce’s base—ensure it’s good quality for the best flavor.

• Tomato Paste & Sauce: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and a 15 oz can of tomato sauce round out the acidity and sweetness beautifully.

• Dried Basil & Oregano: Two teaspoons of basil and one teaspoon of oregano will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch for those who enjoy a little heat.

• Sugar: Just a teaspoon to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes—trust me on this one!

• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing all those lovely flavors.

• Ricotta Cheese: 15 oz of creamy perfection is crucial for that luscious layer of goodness.

• Egg: One egg helps bind the ricotta mixture. It’s like the glue holding the layers together.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup adds a delicious nuttiness—don’t forget to save some for the top!

• Fresh Parsley or Basil: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped for color and freshness.

• Lasagna Noodles: 12 noodles, cooked to al dente unless you’re using the oven-ready variety.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: You’ll need 3 cups for that gooey, melty topping.

• Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese equals more happiness—simple math!

The Cooking Process Explained

Alright, let’s dive into the actual making of this deliciousness!

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat—no one wants a greasy lasagna!

2. Toss in the minced garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your lovely dried basil and oregano. If you’re feeling spicy, toss in those optional red pepper flakes! Allow this concoction to simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and the touch of sugar, if needed. Taste and swoon!

3. While this is simmering, let’s whip up the heavenly ricotta mixture. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley or basil. Mix it until it’s creamy and dreamy.

4. Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C).

5. Now it’s time to assemble! Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this acts as a delicious adhesive. Layer your noodles on top, followed by meat sauce, then the ricotta mixture, and finally a sprinkle of mozzarella. Yo, repeat this for 3-4 layers, finishing with noodles, another generous layer of sauce, mozzarella, and finish with the extra Parmesan on top.

6. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until it’s all bubbly and golden—heavenly!

7. After that sizzling dance in the oven, allow your masterpiece to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Trust me, this will help maintain those beautiful layers.

Best Way to Enjoy It

Serving this lasagna is almost as satisfying as making it! Slice it into squares that show off those glorious layers. You might want to serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar—the brightness complements the richness perfectly! Crusty garlic bread is always a welcome friend on the table.

Feel free to sprinkle some extra parsley or basil on top for color—it’s the little things that count!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers (which I doubt!), you’ll want to save them properly. Allow the lasagna to cool, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to label it! For reheating, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—about 25-30 minutes should do the trick. You might want to cover it with foil to prevent drying out.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are a few extra gems to elevate your lasagna skills:

• Don’t skip browning the ground meat and onions well—caramelization is where flavor lives.

• Letting your sauce simmer longer will only deepen the flavors; a little patience goes a long way.

• Consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce—it’ll make it sing.

• Use quality cheeses; they truly make a difference.

• If you like a creamy texture, consider adding a layer of béchamel sauce for extra decadence.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas to customize your lasagna:

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the meat with your choice of vegetables—zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach are fantastic choices.

• Cheesy Variations: Swap in provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.

• Herbal Infusions: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones—basil, oregano, or even thyme can add a delightful freshness.

• Spicy Kick: Add layers of sautéed Italian sausage or crushed red pepper for extra pizzazz.

FAQs

1. Can I use no-boil noodles?
   Yes! No-boil noodles are a great shortcut and work wonderfully in this recipe.

2. How long does it take to make from start to finish?
   Expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.

3. What can I serve with lasagna?
   A light salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pairs perfectly!

4. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

5. How do I adjust this for gluten-free diets?
   Substitute regular noodles with gluten-free pasta. Just ensure they’re also al dente before assembly!

There you have it! Your cooking adventure awaits, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this family-favorite Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a chance to gather, share, and create lasting memories. Go ahead, give it a whirl, and don’t hesitate to sprinkle in your own magic! I promise you’ll want to share your results with everyone—get ready to inspire others with the gift of deliciousness!

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Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce: A Must-Try!

Cooking Method: Baking, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy F Family Friendly High Protein Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr 35 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce is a heartwarming dish layered with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients for Classic Lasagna

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb Ground Beef or Beef & Pork Mix
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 15 oz Tomato Sauce
• 2 teaspoons Dried Basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Sugar (to balance acidity)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper

For the Ricotta Mixture and Assembly

• 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
• 1 large Egg
• ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or Basil, finely chopped
• 12 noodles Lasagna Noodles, cooked to al dente (use oven-ready if preferred)
• 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• extra to taste Parmesan Cheese (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

Making the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meat

   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
   Mark as complete

2. Simmer the Sauce

   Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and oregano. Stir in red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
   Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar.
   Mark as complete

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

1. Mix Ricotta Ingredients

   In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley or basil. Mix until creamy.
   Mark as complete

Assembling the Lasagna

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Layering

   Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat for 3-4 layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and extra Parmesan.
   Mark as complete

3. Bake

   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   Mark as complete

4. Rest and Serve

   Allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with salad and garlic bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 6g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 600 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 2.5 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Zinc 4 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Keywords: lasagna, pasta, classic, comfort food, Italian