Easy Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Recipe
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.
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.