Easy Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe is one of my favorite comfort meals. It is creamy, cheesy, rich and very filling. This homemade pasta dish tastes better than many restaurant versions.
The soft ricotta cheese makes every layer smooth and delicious. You can make this Easy Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe for family dinners, holidays or weekend meals.
It uses simple ingredients and easy steps. Even beginners can make this baked lasagna perfectly at home without stress.
My Experience With This Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese
I first made this lasagna on a cold weekend evening. My family loved the creamy cheese layers and rich meat sauce. Since then, I make it often for gatherings and special dinners.
The ricotta cheese gives the lasagna a soft and creamy texture. The mozzarella melts beautifully on top. The sauce becomes thick and flavorful after baking.
I also like how easy this recipe feels. You only need simple kitchen ingredients. The steps are beginner-friendly and very easy to follow.
Sometimes I prepare it ahead of time. Then I bake it later for a quick dinner. It always tastes comforting and homemade.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Easy Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Easy Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until tender. Drain the noodles well and place them flat on parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned completely. Drain extra grease carefully.
3. Add the Marinara Sauce
Pour marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
4. Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley and half the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. This filling adds rich flavor and texture.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce inside the baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking during baking.
6. Add the First Lasagna Layer
Place cooked noodles over the sauce. Spread ricotta mixture evenly on top. Add meat sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the entire layer.
7. Repeat the Layers
Continue layering noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Finish the top layer with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
9. Let It Rest Before Serving
Remove the lasagna from the oven carefully. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers stay firm and neat.
Recipe Tips
- Use whole milk ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
- Do not overcook the noodles before baking.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing.
- Fresh parsley adds bright flavor and color.
- Add spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
- Cover with foil to prevent burning.
- Make the sauce ahead for deeper flavor.
- Store leftovers properly for quick meals later.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy lasagna tastes wonderful with warm garlic bread and a fresh green salad. I also enjoy serving it with roasted vegetables or creamy soup during colder months.
The rich layers pair perfectly with light side dishes. You can garnish each slice with fresh parsley or basil for extra freshness.
A little extra Parmesan cheese on top also tastes delicious. This baked pasta dish works well for dinner parties, family meals or cozy weekends.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Tomato soup
- Sauteed green beans
- Italian chopped salad
- Roasted carrots
- Grilled zucchini
- Creamy mushroom soup
- Bruschetta
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about four days. You can also freeze individual slices for easy meals later.
To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for two to three minutes. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot. Cover with foil to keep the cheese soft and moist.
Frozen lasagna should thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps it warm evenly and keeps the texture creamy.
Easy Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until tender. Drain the noodles well and place them flat on parchment paper.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned completely. Drain extra grease carefully.
Add the Marinara Sauce
- Pour marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
Make the Ricotta Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley and half the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. This filling adds rich flavor and texture.
Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce inside the baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking during baking.
Add the First Lasagna Layer
- Place cooked noodles over the sauce. Spread ricotta mixture evenly on top. Add meat sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the entire layer.
Repeat the Layers
- Continue layering noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Finish the top layer with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover and Bake
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
Let It Rest Before Serving
- Remove the lasagna from the oven carefully. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers stay firm and neat.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
- Do not overcook the noodles before baking.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing.
- Fresh parsley adds bright flavor and color.
- Add spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
- Cover with foil to prevent burning.
- Make the sauce ahead for deeper flavor.
- Store leftovers properly for quick meals later.
FAQs about Easy Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the lasagna one day earlier. Store it covered inside the refrigerator. Bake it fresh before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese works well in this recipe. The texture will be slightly different, but the lasagna will still taste creamy, cheesy and delicious after baking.
Can I freeze this lasagna recipe?
Yes, this lasagna freezes very well. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to three months for easy future dinners.
What meat works best for lasagna?
Ground beef is popular, but Italian sausage also tastes amazing. Some people combine both meats for deeper flavor and richer texture inside the sauce.
Why should lasagna rest before slicing?
Resting helps the layers set properly. If you slice it immediately, the cheese and sauce may slide apart and look messy on the plate.
Conclusion
Easy Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe is the perfect homemade comfort food. It is rich, cheesy, hearty and simple to prepare.
The creamy ricotta filling makes every bite soft and flavorful. This recipe works beautifully for family dinners, celebrations and meal prep.
The step-by-step instructions make cooking easy for beginners. The baked cheese topping looks golden and delicious every time.
Serve it with salad, bread or vegetables for a complete meal. Once you try this homemade lasagna, it may become one of your favorite dinner recipes.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
