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The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe: Rich Meat Sauce and Creamy Ricotta

A thick, cheesy slice of amazing 1-layer lasagna with rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta filling.
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Follow this recipe for the ultimate comfort food: The Best Homemade Lasagna. You will layer tender noodles with a rich ground beef meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and plenty of melted mozzarella for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them and set them aside.
  2. While the noodles cook, prepare the meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Begin layering the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  9. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  10. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  11. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  12. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  13. Repeat the layers: noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  14. Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  15. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  16. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  17. Let the lasagna rest on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before you slice and serve it. This helps the layers set for cleaner servings.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, you can substitute half of the ground beef with ground Italian sausage.
  • If you want a truly ‘Million Dollar Lasagna’ flavor, add a thin layer of cream cheese mixed into the ricotta filling.
  • To make this a great make-ahead meal, assemble the entire lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/best-homemade-lasagna-recipe-creamy-ricotta/