CLASSIC LASAGNA WITH RICOTTA AND MOZZARELLA: THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a plate of homemade Classic Lasagna. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this lasagna recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered Perfection: Tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta create the ultimate balance of flavors and textures.
• Family Favorite: A hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
• Cheesy Goodness: With mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, this recipe is a cheese lover’s dream.
• Customizable: Easily adapt to your preferences with different meats, sauces, or veggies.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and freezing for a later meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Meat Sauce:

• Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds a savory, hearty base to the sauce. Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage if desired.
• Marinara Sauce (2 cups): The rich, tomato-based sauce ties the layers together. Use homemade or store-bought marinara.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the classic Italian flavors.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balances and highlights all the ingredients.

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Provides a creamy, slightly tangy layer in the lasagna.
• Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta mixture and adds richness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, savory depth to the ricotta layer.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds freshness and color.

For the Layers:

• Lasagna Noodles (12, cooked): The backbone of the dish, separating and supporting the layers.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): The cheesy topping that melts into golden, bubbly perfection.

How to Make Classic Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Stir in the minced 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add the 2 cups marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine:
   • 1 cup ricotta cheese
   • 1 egg
   • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2. Stir until well mixed. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Lay down 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the meat sauce.
4. Sprinkle ⅓ of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
5. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.

5. Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

6. Rest and Serve

1. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
2. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.
3. Serve warm with garlic bread and a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna

1. Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercook the lasagna noodles since they will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and have more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
3. Avoid Overloading: Don’t add too much sauce or ricotta to keep the layers balanced and cohesive.
4. Let It Rest: Allowing the lasagna to cool slightly after baking prevents the layers from sliding apart.
5. Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
2. Meat Lovers Lasagna: Add Italian sausage or pancetta to the ground beef for extra flavor.
3. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a hint of heat.
4. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
5. Low-Carb: Replace lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a keto-friendly option.

Perfect Pairings

1. Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
2. Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the richness of the lasagna.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
4. Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the Italian flavors beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze lasagna?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

3. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes! If using no-boil noodles, ensure the sauce has enough moisture to cook the noodles properly in the oven.

4. How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Drain excess fat from the meat and avoid using overly watery marinara sauce. Let the lasagna rest after baking to allow the layers to set.

5. Can I make this without ricotta cheese?

Yes! Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Classic Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of rich, cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this lasagna is sure to impress. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Try it tonight and enjoy a timeless Italian favorite!

Print