✨This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PART
This easy lasagna recipe with ricotta is made with simple, everyday ingredients, but tastes like it came straight from your favourite Italian restaurant. It’s cozy, cheesy, freezer friendly, and always a hit around the dinner table.
If there’s one dish I always get asked to make, it’s this easy lasagna recipe with ricotta. Cozy, cheesy, and packed with classic comfort food flavour, it’s a recipe I come back to again and again.
Whether I’m making it for a cozy family dinner or sending leftovers with my boyfriend to feed a hungry crew at work, this homemade lasagna never disappoints. Layered with hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, plenty of melty mozzarella, and tender lasagna noodles, it’s surprisingly easy to make and always disappears fast.
If you love lasagna, you’ll definitely want to try my beef and spinach lasagna next. It’s a delicious twist on this classic recipe with the added goodness of spinach. And if hearty and delicious pasta dishes are your love language, be sure to check out my sausage and ricotta stuffed shells or one pot lemon ricotta pasta for two more easy, comforting dinners.
As an Italian, lasagna has always been one of those meals that brings everyone to the table. This version keeps things simple without sacrificing flavour, making it perfect whether it’s your first time making homemade lasagna or it’s already a family favourite.
✳︎ Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta
- Classic comfort food. Layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tender pasta make every bite rich and satisfying.
- Easy to make. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make homemade lasagna totally doable, even for beginners.
- Perfect for making ahead. Assemble it in advance, freeze it for later, or enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day.
- Great for feeding a crowd. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, or weekly meal prep.
- A recipe you’ll make again and again. It’s my go-to lasagna because it’s reliable, delicious, and always gets rave reviews.
What You’ll Need
See? I told you the ingredients were simple! Nothing fancy or hard to find here. Just classic staples that come together to create a rich, cheesy lasagna everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Lasagna Noodles: These are the layers that hold everything together. I use traditional boil first noodles, but oven-ready (no boil) noodles or fresh lasagna sheets work just as well.
- Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savoury flavour to the meat sauce. You can swap it for ground turkey or Italian sausage if you prefer.
- Marinara Sauce: The saucy base that keeps the lasagna rich, flavourful, and perfectly moist. Homemade tomato sauce (seasoned accordingly) or your favourite store bought sauce both work well here.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create those irresistible gooey, cheesy layers. For the best melt and flavour, grate your own from a block if you can.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: The star of the creamy cheese layer. Whole milk ricotta gives the richest flavour and best texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavour to the ricotta mixture and a delicious finishing touch on top.
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it bakes up creamy but holds its shape when sliced.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of fresh flavour and colour to the ricotta mixture and makes a beautiful garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavours together.
Find the full ingredient list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Ricotta Lasagna
You can find the full instructions in the recipe card below, but these simple tips will help you make the best homemade lasagna every time.
- Cook the noodles just until al dente. If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles like I do, don’t overcook them. They’ll continue cooking in the oven. Using oven-ready or fresh lasagna sheets instead? Just make sure there’s enough sauce to keep everything moist.
- Mix the ricotta thoroughly. Stir together the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This creates a creamy cheese layer that holds together beautifully after baking.
- Build even layers. Start with a layer of sauce to prevent sticking, then add noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers evenly and finish with plenty of sauce and cheese on top.
- Taste your meat sauce first. Before assembling the lasagna, give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Well seasoned sauce makes all the difference.
- Cover it while it bakes. Cover the dish with foil for the first 30 to 40 minutes to keep the lasagna moist. My Mom’s Tip: A few toothpicks in the top layer help keep the foil from sticking to the cheese.
Andrea Says
If you can resist digging in right away, let your lasagna rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes after baking. I know it’s hard when your kitchen smells that good, but those few extra minutes make all the difference. The layers have time to set, so you’ll get clean slices instead of a cheesy (but delicious!) pile on your plate.
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing
One of my favourite things about this easy lasagna recipe with ricotta is that it’s just as practical as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning ahead or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep it tasting its best.
Make Ahead
Assemble the lasagna up to 1 day in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Storage
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Freezing
Lasagna freezes beautifully! Freeze it either before or after baking for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or store individual portions in freezer safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating for the best texture.
What to Serve With Lasagna
Lasagna is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but the right side dish can take dinner to the next level. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out my roundup of the best side dishes for lasagna, where you’ll find everything from fresh salads and roasted vegetables to warm, crusty breads and other Italian-inspired favourites.
Or, if you’re ready to round out your meal, here are a few of my favourite pairings:
- No Knead Focaccia. Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
- Homemade Garlic Bread. Crispy, buttery, and made for cheesy pasta dinners.
- Tomato, Mozzarella and Bocconcini Salad. Fresh, light, and the perfect contrast to rich lasagna.
- Garlicky Rapini. A simple, flavourful vegetable side that pairs beautifully with Italian comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
more cozy dinner favourites
Looking for another comforting dinner to add to your rotation? Here are a few more hearty, family friendly recipes I think you’ll love next.
- Lasagna Stuffed Eggplant. Everything you love about lasagna, stuffed into an eggplant.
- Pasta Piselli with Prosciutto. A simple Italian pasta classic.
- Veal Scallopini. Tender, comforting, and full of flavour.
- Classic Italian Rice Balls (Arancini). Crispy, cheesy, and perfect for entertaining.
- Cheesy Sausage and Zucchini Casserole. An easy, cheesy weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Quick Favour ⭐️ If you make this recipe, I’d love it if you left a quick rating + review. It’s the easiest way to support Hip Hip Gourmet, and I read every one.
Easy Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (475 g) tub whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired))
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ((plus more for garnish, if desired))
- 12 (boil-first) lasagna noodles
- 4.5 cups marinara sauce (divided, (homemade or store-bought))
- 3.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir 3½ cups of the marinara sauce into the cooked beef, reserving the remaining 1 cup for layering. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from the heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of the reserved marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese, then add a few spoonfuls of the reserved marinara sauce for extra moisture.
- Repeat the layers two more times.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining marinara sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil (use a few toothpicks to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese, if desired). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Don’t skip the good stuff —
scroll up above the recipe card for ingredient notes, tips & tricks, and easy swaps/variations.Made it? Tell me everything.
I LOVE seeing what you made! Tag @hiphipgourmet on Instagram (or use #hiphipgourmet) so I can see it — then rate it + upload your photo below. 💖
I’d love to see your take on this homemade lasagna with ricotta, so don’t forget to snap a photo and tag @HipHipGourmet on social media. Happy cooking! ❤️
Save this one for later?
