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

A thick, cheesy slice of homemade lasagna with rich meat sauce and melted mozzarella topping.
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You will make the ultimate comfort food with this classic, layered lasagna featuring a rich ground beef meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and plenty of melted mozzarella. This is the best homemade lasagna recipe for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
  5. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  11. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  13. Top with the final layer of noodles and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan on top.
  14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  15. Bake for 25 minutes covered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  16. Let the lasagna rest 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 simmer it for up to an hour.
  • You can make this a make ahead lasagna meal prep by assembling it completely, covering it, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • If you want a slightly healthier lasagna, substitute half the ground beef with ground turkey.

Nutrition

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