Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Few dishes capture the warmth of home-cooked Italian comfort like a Classic Meat Lasagna. Layers of tender pasta sheets, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan come together in a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

dish is not just a meal—it’s an experience, one that fills your kitchen with the aroma of herbs, tomatoes, and cheese.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this lasagna because it’s the perfect balance of hearty and comforting. The combination of savory meat sauce and creamy ricotta filling creates a luxurious texture, while the melted mozzarella adds that irresistible cheesy stretch. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug—ideal for family dinners, holidays, or meal prepping for the week. Each bite carries depth, comfort, and a nostalgic flavor that never gets old.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because:

• It’s a timeless Italian classic loved by everyone—from kids to adults.
• The layers of flavors are deeply satisfying: rich meat, creamy cheese, tender pasta.
• It’s perfect for gatherings, can be made ahead, and even tastes better the next day!
• You can easily customize it (beef, pork, turkey, or vegetarian).

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
• 1 can (800 g / 28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the meat sauce until rich and thick.
2. Prepare the ricotta mixture.
3. Boil the lasagna noodles (if using regular).
4. Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella.
5. Bake until golden and bubbling.
6. Let it rest before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef (and/or pork) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
5. Drain excess fat if necessary.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
7. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente (if not using no-boil noodles).
2. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
3. Arrange 3–4 noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture evenly.
5. Add ⅓ of the meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Repeat layers (noodles → ricotta → sauce → cheese) two more times.
7. Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with aluminum foil (tent it slightly to prevent cheese from sticking).
2. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
3. Let rest for at least 10–15 minutes before cutting (this helps it set).

How to Serve

• Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
• Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a glass of red wine.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or Sunday feasts.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps it hold its shape.
• Use a mix of beef and Italian sausage for a deeper flavor.
• Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Don’t skip the egg in the ricotta—it binds the filling together.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the meat sauce with roasted vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers).
2. Chicken Lasagna: Use ground chicken or turkey with a lighter tomato sauce.
3. White Lasagna: Swap red sauce for a creamy béchamel or Alfredo sauce.
4. Four-Cheese Lasagna: Use ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warm throughout (20–25 minutes).

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day as directed.

Q2: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a good substitute for ricotta if you prefer a lighter texture.

Q3: How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Ensure your sauce is thick, and let the lasagna rest before slicing to allow it to set.

Q4: Do I need to cook the noodles first?
If using “no-boil” noodles, you can layer them directly. Otherwise, boil regular noodles to al dente.

Q5: How long should lasagna rest before serving?
Let it rest 10–15 minutes after baking to firm up for clean slices.

Conclusion

This Classic Meat Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for family or friends. The layers of flavor and creamy texture make it a dish that feels both indulgent and homey. Serve it hot, share it generously, and enjoy the taste of Italy right at your table.