Name: Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty: 7 Layers of Comfort
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning; 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; Optional: 1 tbsp chopped parsley; 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; Extra Parmesan for topping

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Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty is a classic Italian dish that brings the family together, offering layers of rich flavors and comforting textures. This hearty lasagna is not only filling but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for Sunday dinners or meal prep. With a blend of savory meat, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty

This hearty ricotta lasagna recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a go-to for any occasion. First, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings. Second, it can be made ahead and stored, making meal prep a breeze. Third, it’s versatile; you can easily swap out ingredients for a vegetarian lasagna with ricotta. Fourth, each bite is rich and satisfying, thanks to the creamy ricotta. Fifth, it’s a great way to use up leftover marinara sauce. Lastly, it’s a dish that tastes even better the next day, perfect for leftovers!

Ingredients for Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty

Gather these items:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Optional: 1 tbsp chopped parsley
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Extra Parmesan for topping

How to Make Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground meat with onion until browned. Add garlic, cook 1 min more. Stir in marinara and seasonings. Simmer 10 mins.
Step 2: Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using).
Step 3: Layer Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta mix, a handful of mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers. Finish with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and extra Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25 mins. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 mins until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Cool & Serve: Let rest 10 mins before slicing.

Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty

Keep these in mind:

Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Better the next day for leftovers.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with spinach or mushrooms.
Let the lasagna rest before serving; this helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Best Ways to Serve Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty

This classic ricotta lasagna dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine for a complete Italian experience. For a twist, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.

How to Store and Reheat Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty

To store, cover the lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This dish is also perfect for freezing; simply wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty

What’s the secret to perfect Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty?

The secret lies in the layering! Be sure to layer the ingredients evenly and allow the dish to rest after baking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and cohesive dish.

Can I make Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty?

To avoid soggy noodles, ensure your marinara sauce isn’t too watery. Additionally, let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to help the layers hold together.

Variations of Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty You Can Try

Feel free to get creative! You can try adding spinach for a lasagna with ricotta and spinach variation or use a creamy béchamel sauce for a richer flavor. Another idea is to incorporate different vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a delicious twist. Explore these savory ricotta lasagna recipes to find your new favorite!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making creamy potato soup as a comforting side dish. If you’re looking for a twist, consider a lasagna soup recipe for a fun variation!

Additionally, you can learn more about the nutritional benefits of ricotta cheese to understand why it’s a great addition to your meals.

Lasagna with Ricotta Hearty: 7 Layers of Comfort

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Classic Lasagna with Ricotta: Hearty, Cheesy & Family-Style

Instructions

Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground meat with onion until browned. Add garlic, cook 1 min more. Stir in marinara and seasonings. Simmer 10 mins.
Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using).
Layer Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta mix, a handful of mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers. Finish with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and extra Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25 mins. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 mins until bubbly and golden.
Cool & Serve: Let rest 10 mins before slicing.