Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey mozzarella all baked into a golden, bubbling dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a dinner gathering, this traditional Italian favorite never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Tested Comfort: A nostalgic favorite that pleases both kids and adults.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and cheese for a satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: Assembles easily in advance and bakes beautifully.
• Customizable Layers: You can tweak sauces, cheeses, or even add vegetables.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for batch cooking and storing for later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
6. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, then 1/3 of the meat sauce, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella.
7. Repeat layers two more times, ending with the remaining meat sauce and topping with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 40–45 minutes
Resting time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make excellent additions.
• Spicy version: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use cottage cheese: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
• Cheese blend: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a deeper flavor.
• No-boil noodles: Use oven-ready noodles to save time; adjust sauce quantity accordingly.

Storage/reheating

Storage:
Cool completely and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until hot throughout, about 20–25 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze the lasagna after baking?

Absolutely. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven when ready.

What is the best ricotta substitute?

Cottage cheese is the most common alternative. You can also use a ricotta-style tofu blend for a dairy-free option.

Do I need to cook the noodles before layering?

Yes, unless you’re using oven-ready lasagna noodles, which don’t require pre-cooking.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are great alternatives to beef.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain the meat well, avoid watery sauces, and allow the lasagna to rest before cutting.

What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Low-moisture shredded mozzarella is ideal for melting and flavor without excess moisture.

Can I use homemade sauce?

Yes. A rich homemade tomato sauce adds great depth of flavor to this dish.

Is Parmesan necessary in the ricotta layer?

It adds salty, nutty depth, but you can omit or replace it with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese.

How long should I let it rest before slicing?

10 to 15 minutes allows the layers to firm up for cleaner slices.

Conclusion

Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a beloved, time-honored dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. With its hearty layers, balanced textures, and irresistible cheesiness, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Prepare it fresh or freeze it for later—either way, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

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