Easy Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta: A Classic Comfort Food

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and when made with creamy ricotta cheese, it takes the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. This easy lasagna recipe with ricotta will become a staple in your kitchen, offering layers of rich marinara sauce, flavorful ground meat (or vegetables), and gooey mozzarella cheese, all brought together with the perfect addition of creamy ricotta. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this step-by-step guide ensures you can make a hearty, mouthwatering lasagna with minimal effort.

In this blog post, you’ll find a simple and delicious lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a homemade Italian classic.

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Table of Contents

1. Why Choose Ricotta for Lasagna?
2. Ingredients for Easy Lasagna with Ricotta
3. How to Make the Best Ricotta Lasagna
4. Tips for a Perfect Lasagna
5. Variations to Try
6. How to Store and Reheat Lasagna
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Why Choose Ricotta for Lasagna?

The Creamy Texture of Ricotta

Ricotta cheese is a key ingredient in traditional lasagna. It adds a smooth, creamy texture that complements the sauce and mozzarella, making each bite rich and satisfying. It has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the dish but enhances the other ingredients, giving the lasagna its signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.

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Ricotta vs. Other Cheeses

Ricotta is often preferred for lasagna because of its light and airy texture. Unlike heavier cheeses like cheddar or cream cheese, ricotta creates a delicate balance of richness without being too heavy. It also combines beautifully with other traditional lasagna ingredients, such as ground meat, marinara sauce, and fresh herbs.

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Ingredients for Easy Lasagna with Ricotta

This easy lasagna recipe with ricotta requires simple ingredients that are easy to find, yet they come together to create a comforting, flavorful dish.

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

The Ricotta Layer

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Lasagna

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (depending on the size of your baking dish)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

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How to Make the Best Ricotta Lasagna

Follow these simple steps to prepare your lasagna with ricotta that’s packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Once browned, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cook the Noodles

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions.
2. Drain the noodles and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together.

Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder (if using).
2. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Layer the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom.
3. Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
4. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce.
5. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey finish.

Bake and Serve

1. Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Tips for a Perfect Lasagna

• Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Don’t overcook the noodles – slightly undercooked noodles will absorb sauce as they bake.
• Allow the lasagna to rest after baking for the best texture and easier slicing.

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Variations to Try

Vegetarian Lasagna

Swap the ground meat for extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a lighter version.

Gluten-Free Lasagna

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure that your tomato sauce and ricotta are free from gluten.

Spicy Lasagna

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat, or incorporate jalapeños into the ricotta mixture for an extra kick.

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How to Store and Reheat Lasagna

Storing Leftover Lasagna

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Lasagna

• Freeze unbaked lasagna by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat for Best Results

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quicker option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use ricotta cheese substitutes? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or tofu ricotta for a dairy-free alternative.
• Can I make lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day.
• Why is my lasagna watery? Be sure to drain excess liquid from the ricotta and cooked noodles to avoid a soggy dish.

This easy lasagna recipe with ricotta is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. With its rich, creamy layers of cheese, savory sauce, and tender noodles, it’s the kind of dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this lasagna will be a hit every time. Enjoy!