Print

The Best Homemade Lasagna: Rich Meat Sauce and Creamy Ricotta

A thick, layered slice of homemade lasagna featuring rich meat sauce and melted cheese topping.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

You deserve a rich, satisfying dinner tonight. This recipe shows you how to layer all the best flavors for the ultimate comforting meal: The Best Homemade Lasagna with a savory meat sauce and creamy ricotta filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 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 chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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 onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Add ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This develops the savory meat sauce flavor.
  5. Prepare the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 single layer of cooked noodles over the sauce.
  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, one-third of the mozzarella, and the remaining meat sauce.
  13. Top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese.
  14. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cover the dish loosely with foil, and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  15. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead lasagna, assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • If you want an even richer flavor, brown 1/2 pound of Italian sausage along with the ground beef for your savory meat sauce.
  • You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if needed, but the texture will be slightly different.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/best-homemade-lasagna-recipe/