Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe

A hearty and classic Italian lasagna filled with delicious ricotta cheese.

Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish that has found a permanent place in many kitchens around the world. The layering of pasta with rich, savory sauces, creamy ricotta cheese, and a variety of meats or vegetables makes it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal. Traditional Italian lasagna is all about simple but quality ingredients melding together to create an unforgettable dining experience. In this recipe, we will guide you step by step to create an authentic Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese. This recipe uses fresh ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, layered with creamy ricotta cheese for a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into the world of Italian cuisine and prepare a lasagna that will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: ~650 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Prepare Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, and fresh basil into the skillet with the beef. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix Ricotta Cheese: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with one egg, a pinch of salt, and a bit of pepper until well combined.
5. Layer Lasagna: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella and some of the grated parmesan over the ricotta layer. Repeat layers, ending with the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the final meat sauce layer.
6. Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese! Serve with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. A useful tip to make the lasagna even more flavorful is to prepare the meat sauce a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious dish. Buon appetito!