Imagine layers of rich, meaty goodness nestled between creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and tender lasagna noodles. That’s Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce — the ultimate comfort food and a timeless Italian classic!
Perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or feeding a crowd, this lasagna is a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Fun fact: the origins of lasagna date back to Ancient Greece, where “laganon” referred to sheets of pasta layered with sauce — proof that great comfort food never goes out of style!
Like our Spaghetti Bolognese, this lasagna combines simple ingredients and big flavors in a way that brings everyone to the table. So grab your apron — let’s make a meal that will fill your home with delicious aromas and happy faces!
What Is Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce?
Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce is the perfect blend of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and hearty marinara, layered between sheets of perfectly cooked pasta.
The name “lasagna” comes from the Greek word laganon, meaning flat dough strips — quite the evolution into today’s cheesy masterpiece! Every forkful delivers layers of flavor and comfort, proving once again that “the way to the heart is through the stomach.”
So if you’ve been craving a dish that feels special but is totally doable at home, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce will win a spot in your regular rotation:
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Rich and Flavorful – Every layer is packed with perfectly seasoned beef, velvety ricotta, and stretchy mozzarella.
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Easy and Budget-Friendly – Impress your family without spending hours or breaking the bank.
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Customizable – Add spinach, mushrooms, or spicy red pepper flakes for your own twist.
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Feeds a Crowd – Great for meal prep, gatherings, or potlucks!
If you love dishes like Penne Arrabbiata or Baked Ziti, this lasagna will be your next go-to comfort meal.
⏱️ Quick Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Key Ingredients
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12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 large egg
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat Oven
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Meat Sauce
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned.
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Drain excess fat.
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Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
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Simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors blend.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
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In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
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Assemble the Lasagna
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Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Add 4 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the meat sauce, and a layer of mozzarella.
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Repeat layers.
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Top with remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
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Rest and Serve
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Let sit 10–15 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.
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What to Serve with Lasagna
Complement your lasagna with these delicious sides:
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Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
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Fresh Garden Salad – Light and refreshing alongside the rich pasta.
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Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make excellent companions.
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Beverage Pairing – Try a light red wine like Chianti, or a crisp iced tea.
Top Tips for the Perfect Lasagna
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Use No-Boil Noodles for faster prep — they cook perfectly in the sauce.
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Add Herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for extra Italian flair.
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Mix Up the Cheese — blend mozzarella with provolone or fontina for more depth.
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Avoid Soggy Lasagna — use thick marinara, not watery sauce.
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Let It Rest before serving — it helps the layers stay neat and firm.
Lasagna with Ricotta and Meat Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce to the meat mixture and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 4 lasagna noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture, half of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering process, finishing with a layer of noodles and remaining meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers stay intact when serving.
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