This Homemade Lasagna with Ricotta is a classic, comforting dish that combines layers of rich, meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect family dinner or crowd-pleaser for special occasions. This easy-to-follow recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna is everything you want in a hearty meal—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The layers of ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a generous amount of mozzarella create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The addition of fresh herbs like basil and parsley brings a burst of freshness, making each bite irresistible. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends and family, this lasagna is always a hit. Homemade Lasagna with Ricotta

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
28 ounces tomato sauce
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Italian dressing
12 lasagna noodles
3 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
1 teaspoon fresh basil
1 teaspoon fresh parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Parsley (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Cook the Meat Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the grease.
Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the Italian dressing and turn off the heat.

Cook the Noodles:

While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.

Make the Cheese Mixture:

In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, fresh basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Spread a small amount of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to lightly coat.
Place 3 lasagna noodles in the pan lengthwise (it’s okay if they overlap slightly).
Spread about ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by about ¼ of the meat sauce and ¼ of the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat this layering process (noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times.
For the final layer, place the remaining noodles on top, spread the remaining meat sauce over them, and make sure there are no noodles visible. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake:

Cover the lasagna with foil (spray the foil with nonstick spray to prevent the cheese from sticking) and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown.

Cool and Serve:

Let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes before cutting. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 people
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian option.
Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
Cheese Variations: Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or add other cheeses like provolone or gouda for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze homemade lasagna?

Absolutely! You can freeze the lasagna either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, covered, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles work great in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for baking times and make sure there’s enough sauce to properly hydrate the noodles.

Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture and flavor.

How do I make sure my lasagna doesn’t get watery?

Make sure to drain the cooked noodles thoroughly and use a thicker meat sauce to prevent excess moisture in the lasagna. You can also let the lasagna sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.

Can I add more vegetables to the lasagna?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I keep the lasagna from sticking to the foil?

Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray before covering the lasagna to prevent the cheese from sticking to it during baking.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef in the meat sauce.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, you can halve the ingredients and use a smaller baking dish (like an 8×8-inch pan) for a smaller batch of lasagna.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, gouda, or cheddar would all work well in this lasagna.

Conclusion

This Homemade Lasagna with Ricotta is the perfect comfort food—loaded with flavorful layers of seasoned meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a hearty family dinner, this lasagna is sure to be a favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy assembly, it’s a dish that anyone can make and everyone will love. Enjoy the delicious layers of homemade goodness!