Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food: layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate homemade version, you’ve found it. This best lasagna recipe with ricotta ever is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a lasagna that will wow everyone at the table.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Lasagna Recipe
Creamy ricotta layers balance the rich meat sauce perfectly.
Homemade flavor beats store-bought every time.
Generous cheese topping for a golden, bubbly finish.
Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or Italian sausage.
Feeds a crowd: Serves 8 comfortably.
🥩 Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz / 800 g) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth)
For the Ricotta Mixture
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Other Ingredients
12–15 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1. Make the Meat Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
Add onions and garlic; sauté until softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Add red wine if using and simmer for 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella over the ricotta.
Add another layer of meat sauce.
Repeat layers twice more (noodles → ricotta → mozzarella → sauce).
Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
4. Bake
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
🍴 Serving Tips
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Leftovers taste even better the next day — refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
🔄 Optional Variations
Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Cheese Lovers: Add provolone or fontina along with mozzarella.
Low-carb: Use zucchini slices or eggplant instead of noodles.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Ricotta Lasagna
Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
Cook noodles al dente; they will absorb sauce during baking without getting mushy.
Let lasagna rest before cutting to keep layers intact.
Simmer meat sauce long enough for rich flavor but avoid over-reducing; it should be saucy.
Mix fresh herbs into ricotta for extra flavor depth.
🎉 Conclusion
This is truly the best lasagna recipe with ricotta ever: creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or comforting yourself on a cozy night in. By following these steps, you’ll get perfectly layered, flavorful lasagna that rivals any Italian restaurant.
Your next lasagna night will be a hit — homemade, hearty, and unforgettable.