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The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe: Rich Meat Sauce and Creamy Ricotta

A thick, towering slice of homemade lasagna showing layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese.
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You deserve a truly satisfying, classic Italian-American lasagna. This recipe delivers rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and perfectly melted cheese layers. It is a hearty family dinner that is worth the effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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 ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain them and set them aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This builds flavor for your savory meat sauce lasagna.
  5. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna 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, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  13. Top with the final layer of noodles and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top.
  14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
  15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  16. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set for clean cuts. Give yourself kudos for making this amazing dinner!

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage in your meat sauce.
  • If you are making this ahead, assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • Using oven-ready noodles can save you the step of boiling, but check your package instructions for liquid adjustments.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/best-homemade-lasagna-classic/