If you want a cozy, cheesy, absolutely irresistible lasagna that tastes like it came from a classic Italian kitchen, this is the recipe you need. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked pasta, and melty cheese all baked together into one stunning dish—this is comfort food at its finest.
This lasagna is totally beginner-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners, weekends, potlucks, celebrations, or feeding a hungry family. Let’s get started!
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the Meat Sauce
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef/half sausage)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1–2 tsp sugar (balances the acidity)
Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For the Ricotta Layer
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
3 cups shredded mozzarella
Extra Parmesan for sprinkling
🔥 Step-by-Step: Make the Best Lasagna with Ricotta Ever
1. Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat a large pan over medium heat.
Add ground beef and onion; cook until browned.
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and spices.
Add sugar (start with 1 teaspoon).
Simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This thick, flavorful sauce is a huge part of what makes this the best lasagna recipe with ricotta ever.
2. Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a bowl, combine:
Ricotta
Egg
Parmesan
Salt & pepper
Parsley
Stir until smooth and creamy.
This layer adds richness and helps the lasagna stay structured after slicing.
3. Cook the Noodles (If Not Using Oven-Ready)
Boil noodles according to package instructions.
Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment so they don’t stick.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Grease a 9×13 baking dish and layer:
Layer 1 — Sauce
Spread a thin amount of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer 2 — Noodles
Add 3 noodles across the pan.
Layer 3 — Ricotta
Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Layer 4 — Meat Sauce
Spoon a generous layer of sauce.
Layer 5 — Mozzarella
Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce.
Repeat this entire pattern 2 more times, finishing with:
Meat sauce
Mozzarella
Extra Parmesan
5. Bake
Cover with foil (tent it so it doesn’t stick to the cheese).
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing—this is important for clean layers.
🍽️ Serve & Enjoy
Cut into squares, plate it up, and enjoy the creamiest, cheesiest, most comforting lasagna ever.
Pair it with:
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Roasted vegetables
🌟 Why This Is the Best Lasagna with Ricotta
The ricotta mixture adds creamy richness.
The triple-layer method gives perfect texture.
A thick homemade meat sauce makes a big difference.
Resting time keeps it from falling apart.
The mozzarella + Parmesan combo gives optimal melt and flavor.
🍕 Variations You Can Try
Veggie Lasagna
Swap meat for mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Three-Cheese Lasagna
Use ricotta + mozzarella + provolone.
Italian Sausage Version
Replace ground beef with mild or hot sausage for extra flavor.
Spinach Ricotta Lasagna
Stir 1 cup cooked spinach into the ricotta.
White Lasagna
Use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce.
🧠 Tips for Perfect Ricotta Lasagna
✔ Don’t skip the egg
It helps bind the ricotta layer.
✔ Season every layer
Light salt and pepper in each part makes big flavor.
✔ Use whole-milk ricotta and mozzarella
Creamier texture overall.
✔ Let it rest
10–15 minutes after baking = restaurant-quality slices.
✔ Make it ahead
Assemble the dish, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake.
❄️ Storing & Freezing Lasagna
Refrigerator:
Lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer:
Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months.
Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
🎉 Conclusion: Make the Best Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta Ever!
If you want a dish that’s filling, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, this is truly the best lasagna recipe with ricotta ever. The combination of rich sauce, creamy ricotta layers, and gooey melted cheese creates a perfect homemade classic that’s better than takeout or restaurant versions.
And the best part? It’s easy enough for beginners yet delicious enough for special occasions.