Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese
Delight in this classic Italian lasagna featuring creamy ricotta cheese layered with rich tomato sauce and tender pasta sheets, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Layer with 4 noodles, half the ricotta cheese, a third of the mozzarella, and meat sauce.
- Repeat layering once more, ending with remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add fresh spinach to the ricotta layer or serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.