Lasagna Recipe: Classic Comfort with Ricotta

Introduction

Lasagna is a timeless Italian-American comfort food, featuring layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. A staple for family dinners, holidays, or gatherings, this hearty dish is beloved for its robust flavors and satisfying texture. Its make-ahead nature and customizable ingredients make it perfect for home cooks of all levels. This recipe delivers a classic lasagna with a beef and sausage marinara and ricotta filling, adaptable for dietary needs, ideal served with garlic bread and a green salad.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup red wine for depth

Ricotta Filling:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk for creaminess)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Other:

• 12 no-boil lasagna noodles (or 12 boiled lasagna noodles)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for layering

For Serving:

• Optional: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Suggested Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables

Step-by-Step Process

1. Make Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, optional red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and optional red wine. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside.
2. Prepare Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1 cup meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place 3-4 no-boil noodles (or boiled noodles) in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over noodles, followed by 1 cup meat sauce, optional spinach or mushrooms, and 3/4 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, sauce, optional vegetables, mozzarella). Top with final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
5. Bake: Cover with foil (spray foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy top.
6. Rest and Serve: Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes to set, making it easier to cut. Slice into 8 portions, garnish with optional basil or parsley, and serve hot with suggested sides like garlic bread or a Caesar salad.

Tips for Better Lasagna

• Use no-boil noodles for convenience, or boil regular noodles until al dente to prevent mushiness.
• Drain excess fat from meat to avoid a greasy sauce.
• Let lasagna rest before cutting to hold its shape and retain layers.
• Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture; part-skim works but is less rich.
• Simmer sauce longer (up to 40 minutes) for deeper flavor if time allows.
• Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking; add 10 minutes to baking time if cold.
• Use a deep 9×13-inch dish to prevent overflow; place a baking sheet underneath to catch drips.
• Taste sauce and adjust seasoning before layering; tomato products vary in saltiness.

Variations and Customization

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Omit meat and add 2 cups sautéed vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, spinach); use vegetable broth in sauce if needed.
• Turkey Lasagna: Replace beef and sausage with 1.5 lbs ground turkey; add 1 tbsp olive oil for moisture.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure tomato products are gluten-free.
• Vegan Lasagna: Replace ricotta with cashew cheese (blend 1 cup soaked cashews, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp nutritional yeast), use vegan mozzarella, and omit egg and meat.
• Spicy Lasagna: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 tsp and add 1 diced jalapeño to the sauce.
• White Lasagna: Swap tomato sauce for a béchamel sauce (4 tbsp butter, 4 tbsp flour, 2 cups milk) and use spinach and chicken.
• Pesto Lasagna: Mix 1/4 cup pesto into the ricotta filling and add sautéed spinach.
• Seafood Lasagna: Replace meat with 1 lb cooked shrimp or crab and use a creamy Alfredo sauce.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave (1-2 minutes) or in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes.
• Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
• Serve with classic Italian sides like bruschetta, antipasto, or roasted asparagus.
• Use leftovers in a lasagna soup by adding broth and breaking up layers.
• Keep warm in a 200°F oven if serving in batches.
• Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Pair with a Chianti, sparkling water, or iced tea for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (1 piece each, without optional add-ins):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Vitamin A: 20% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
• Calcium: 35% Daily Value
• Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dish is high in protein but also in fat and sodium due to cheese and meat. For dietary needs, try vegetarian or gluten-free variations. Its nutrient density makes it a filling main course.

Conclusion

This lasagna recipe delivers a classic, comforting dish with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Its straightforward preparation and make-ahead option make it a favorite for home cooks. The hearty flavors and satisfying texture create a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. This recipe is sure to become a go-to, cherished for its warmth and Italian-American charm.