Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Introduction

Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. This dish layers perfectly seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. Each slice is hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Lasagna is more than just food—it’s a tradition. From family gatherings to cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is one of those timeless classics everyone loves. It’s filling, indulgent, and makes fantastic leftovers, making it an all-around winner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s everything that comfort food should be—hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. The rich, savory beef sauce layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and homemade. Every bite is layered with warmth, and it’s one of those dishes that can turn an ordinary evening into something special.

Another reason I adore this lasagna is its timeless appeal. It’s the kind of dish that brings family and friends together around the table, sparking conversation and creating memories. It reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as delicious the next day (if not better!). And while it looks impressive when served, it’s surprisingly approachable to make at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s hearty and filling—a complete meal in one dish.
• It’s perfect for gatherings—feeds a crowd and can be prepped ahead.
• It’s comforting and timeless—a recipe that never goes out of style.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: ~480 calories per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook meat sauce until thick and flavorful.
2. Mix ricotta with egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
3. Boil noodles (if not using no-boil).
4. Layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers and bake until golden and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   (Skip this step if using no-boil noodles.)

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Place a layer of noodles on top.
4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
5. Add ⅓ of the meat sauce.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella on top.
7. Repeat layers two more times (noodles → ricotta → sauce → mozzarella).
8. Finish with noodles, remaining sauce, and a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with foil (to prevent over-browning).
2. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing (this helps layers set).

How to Serve

• Serve hot with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
• Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the resting time—it ensures neat slices.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella (not pre-packaged) for best melting.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Double the recipe and bake in two pans—one for now and one to freeze.

Variations

• Vegetable Lasagna: Swap beef for roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Beef & Sausage Lasagna: Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• White Lasagna: Use Alfredo or béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles or zucchini slices.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Before Baking): Assemble lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20–25 minutes to cooking time.
• Freezing (After Baking): Cool completely, cut into portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet for sauce
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a timeless comfort dish that’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. With its rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, it delivers layer upon layer of satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 480 calories per serving

Description

Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. This dish layers perfectly seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. Each slice is hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture : In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Cook the Noodles : Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Skip this step if using no-boil noodles.)
4. Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of noodles on top. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles. Add ⅓ of the meat sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella on top. Repeat layers two more times (noodles → ricotta → sauce → mozzarella). Finish with noodles, remaining sauce, and a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Step 5: Bake : Cover with foil (to prevent over-browning). Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing (this helps layers set).

Keywords: Classic Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella