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The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe: Rich Meat Sauce and Creamy Ricotta

A perfect, thick slice of amazing 3 layer lasagna featuring rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella topping.
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You will make the ultimate comfort food with this classic Italian-American lasagna. It features rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and layers of perfectly melted mozzarella. This recipe is a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup water (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  11. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  13. Top with the final layer of noodles, the remaining mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
  14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  15. Bake for 25 minutes covered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  16. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before you slice and serve it. This helps the layers set.

Notes

  • For cleaner slices, cover the lasagna with foil for the first part of baking, then uncover it to brown the cheese. Letting it rest after baking is key for structure.
  • You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to save time on assembly day.
  • If you want a richer flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with ground Italian sausage.
  • Use oven-ready noodles if you want to skip the boiling step, but adjust liquid in the sauce slightly if needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/best-homemade-lasagna-recipe-rich-ricotta/