There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, homemade beef lasagna with ricotta cheese fresh from the oven. With layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta, this classic Italian-American dish is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and comforting. The seasoned beef sauce delivers bold, savory flavor, while the ricotta mixture adds a smooth, creamy contrast that keeps every bite moist and satisfying. Finished with melted mozzarella and a touch of Parmesan, this lasagna bakes up bubbly, golden, and irresistibly cheesy.
Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, this easy beef lasagna recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests. It’s also ideal for meal prep, potlucks, and freezer meals, making it a go-to option when you want something reliable, filling, and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this classic beef lasagna delivers comfort food at its best. Serve it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that feels special, familiar, and deeply satisfying every single time.
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Beef Lasagna with Ricotta
This classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta features tender lasagna noodles layered with a hearty seasoned ground beef sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian-American favorite perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus 10 minutes resting)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Simmer: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix ricotta layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Assemble lasagna:
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Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
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Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
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Repeat layers, finishing with sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest & serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold clean layers.
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Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
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For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering.
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Cover tightly with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
Variations
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Vegetable Beef Lasagna: Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce.
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Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella into the ricotta layer for richer texture.
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Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
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Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months; bake from thawed or add extra baking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
