Lasagna with Ground Beef and Ricotta Cheese

Introduction

Few dishes embody comfort food quite like lasagna. Layers of tender pasta, rich ground beef marinara, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey melted cheese all come together in a hearty casserole that’s as satisfying as it is nostalgic. This Lasagna with Ground Beef and Ricotta Cheese is a classic Italian-American favorite that has graced family tables for generations.

The origins of lasagna date back to Italy, where pasta sheets were layered with ragù and béchamel. The Italian-American version, however, uses ricotta for creaminess and often includes generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan. The result? A bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re preparing it for Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or a weeknight meal (with leftovers to spare), lasagna always has a way of bringing people together around the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the definition of comfort food. The rich tomato meat sauce brings savory depth, while the creamy ricotta layer adds a luscious texture that contrasts perfectly with the melted mozzarella. Each bite is a balance of flavor, texture, and warmth.

Another reason this recipe has my heart is its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature. You can assemble it in advance, freeze it, and have a homemade dinner ready anytime. It’s perfect for meal prep or for gifting a comforting dish to a friend or family member.

Plus, this version uses straightforward, accessible ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality results. It’s rustic, hearty, and impossible not to love.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s classic, comforting, and timeless—a dish that pleases everyone.
• It’s a complete meal in one pan: pasta, protein, cheese, and sauce.
• It’s great for leftovers, and the flavors deepen as it sits.
• It’s versatile—you can adapt it with veggies, different meats, or even a vegetarian version.

If you want a dish that combines tradition, heartiness, and flavor in every bite, lasagna is it.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: ~520 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce OR 3 cups homemade tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Ricotta Filling

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)

For the Pasta and Topping

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
4. Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and nutmeg.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. If using regular noodles, cook them in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
3. Layer noodles (3–4), slightly overlapping.
4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
5. Top with 1 cup of meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Repeat layers (noodles → ricotta → sauce → cheese) until ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover dish with foil (spray underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
2. Bake for 25 minutes covered.
3. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
4. Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing (to hold its shape).

How to Serve

• Slice into squares and serve hot.
• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a restaurant-style finish.

Recipe Tips

• Rest before serving: Allow at least 10 minutes for the lasagna to set.
• Drain ricotta if it seems watery, to prevent a soggy dish.
• Layer evenly for the perfect texture in every bite.
• Use freshly grated cheese—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

Variations

• Vegetable Lasagna: Add roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms in place of beef.
• Sausage Lasagna: Swap beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• White Lasagna: Replace red sauce with béchamel and add chicken and spinach.
• Cheesy Lasagna: Use a mix of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (uncooked): Assemble, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour 15 minutes (covered).
• Freezing (cooked): Freeze cooled slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet for sauce
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Lasagna with Ground Beef and Ricotta Cheese is the ultimate family-style meal—layered, hearty, and deeply comforting. It’s a timeless dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. With its cheesy layers, flavorful beef sauce, and creamy ricotta filling, this lasagna is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.