Grandma’s Timeless Lasagna with Meat Sauce and Ricotta Recipe

Crafting the perfect classic lasagna becomes an art form when you understand the delicate balance of flavors and textures.

Layers of rich meat sauce intermingle with creamy ricotta, creating a symphony of Italian comfort.

Pasta sheets nestle between savory components, promising a deeply satisfying meal.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish, passing down treasured techniques.

Meaty, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this recipe invites you to experience authentic Italian culinary magic.

Prepare to be transported to a rustic kitchen in tuscany with each mouthwatering bite.

Let’s uncover the secrets that make this lasagna an unforgettable dining experience.

Storage Advice for Leftover Classic Lasagna

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Cut a single portion, place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.

FAQs

• What makes the meat sauce flavorful?

The meat sauce gets its rich flavor from browning ground beef with onions and garlic, then simmering with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a blend of herbs like basil and oregano.

• Why add sugar to the meat sauce?

The small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more rounded and smoother taste in the sauce.

• How do I know when the meat sauce is ready?

The sauce is ready when it has simmered for 20-30 minutes and thickened slightly, with a deep, rich color and developed flavors.

Why Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce and Ricotta Is a Crowd Favorite

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
• Craft a show-stopping meal that brings everyone together with layers of rich, hearty goodness that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
• Customize with Ease
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or add extra vegetables to personalize this classic recipe and make it your own unique family favorite.
• Perfect for Meal Prep
• Prepare a large batch and store portions in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring delicious meals are always ready when hunger strikes.
• Impress Without Stress
• Master a restaurant-quality dish that looks complicated but requires simple cooking techniques any home cook can confidently execute.

Ingredients for Classic Meat Sauce Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the lasagna sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that adds smooth, soft layers between pasta sheets.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates golden, stretchy top and interior layers.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that brings sharp, salty notes to enhance overall flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and provides structure to the cheese layer.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the base for a robust and tangy meat sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds additional liquid and depth to the meat sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Basil, Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean taste to the ricotta mixture.

• Lasagna Noodles: Flat pasta sheets that form the structural layers of the dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover and prevent over-browning during baking.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents the foil from sticking to the cheese.

Step-by-Step Directions for Classic Lasagna with Ricotta

Step 1: Create Savory Meat Sauce

Warm up a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic.

Cook until the beef transforms into a rich brown color and onions become soft and translucent. Drain away any excess fat.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce
• Sugar
• Fresh basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep, robust flavors.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a cracked egg.

Fold in freshly grated Parmesan and finely chopped parsley. Mix until the ingredients meld together smoothly.

Step 3: Layer Lasagna Magic

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom.

Arrange cooked lasagna noodles in a single layer. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly.

Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella cheese. Top with a layer of meat sauce.

Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Cover the lasagna with cooking spray-coated aluminum foil. Slide into the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier. Slice into generous portions and serve while warm, watching hungry faces light up with anticipation.

Tips for Layering and Baking Perfect Lasagna

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist on the classic recipe.
• Enhance the ricotta mixture by adding a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Prevent watery lasagna by draining ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes before mixing.
• Make ahead and refrigerate assembled lasagna for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld together.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for easy weeknight meals later.

Variations to Customize Your Classic Lasagna

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or tofu crumbles, creating a hearty meat-free version packed with flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Swap traditional wheat noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic dish.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna: Substitute pasta layers with thinly sliced zucchini strips, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, layered texture of traditional lasagna.
• Mediterranean-Style Lasagna: Incorporate feta cheese, spinach, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme, transforming the classic recipe into a Greek-inspired culinary experience.

What to Serve Alongside Classic Meat Sauce Lasagna

• Pair Robust Red Wines: Select full-bodied Italian red wines like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Montepulciano to complement the rich meat sauce and enhance the lasagna's deep flavors.
• Create Fresh Salad Balance: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the lasagna's heaviness and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint.
• Serve Garlic Bread Companions: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra meat sauce and provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the lasagna's soft layers.
• Select Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top to add brightness and a fresh aromatic element that lifts the dish's richness.

Classic Lasagna With Meat Sauce And Ricotta Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Layered Italian classic lasagna delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Rich beef ragu, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella create a harmonious dish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 lasagna noodles

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Dairy and Herb Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust meat sauce by sautéing ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until beef turns golden brown and onions become translucent. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
2. Enhance the sauce with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and a touch of sugar. Infuse with fragrant basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the creamy ricotta blend by whisking together ricotta cheese, a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and fresh chopped parsley until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Fire up the oven to 375F (190C), creating the perfect environment for layering and baking.
5. Begin lasagna assembly by spreading a thin protective layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
6. Carefully arrange a foundation of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, creating the first structural layer.
7. Distribute one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly across the noodles, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
8. Ladle a third of the meat sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Repeat the layering process two more times, building height and complexity of flavors with each stratum.
10. Crown the final layer with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a golden, crispy cheese topping.
11. Shield the dish with cooking spray-coated aluminum foil to prevent cheese from sticking.
12. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then unveil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden landscape.
13. Allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld.
14. Slice and serve the lasagna while still piping hot, revealing its beautiful layered interior.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy lasagna and ensure a lighter, cleaner-tasting sauce.
• Let ricotta mixture sit for 10 minutes before assembling to help ingredients meld and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried when possible for a more vibrant and aromatic lasagna that elevates the entire dish.
• Consider making lasagna a day ahead, as flavors intensify and layers set beautifully when rested overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 483 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 512 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 102 mg