Best 12 Classic Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta Recipes

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Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a layered casserole that is made with pasta, cheese, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce. Lasagna can be made with a variety of different ingredients, but the most common recipe includes ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Lasagna is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect classic lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY RICOTTA CHEESE LASAGNA



Easy Ricotta Cheese Lasagna image

This make ahead overnight lasagna with ricotta cheese is made easy with a few shortcuts, like (gasp!) not cooking the noodles ahead of time.

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds ground chuck, browned and drained
2 (24 ounce) jars prepared pasta sauce or 6 cups homemade sauce
1 cup water
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg, slightly beaten
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or an equal blend of dried basil, dried oregano, and thyme leaves)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked lasagna noodles
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 2. In a large skillet, combine pasta sauce and browned ground chuck. Bring to a simmer and heat through. 3. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Stir together well. 4. Pour approximately 1 cup of meat sauce into baking dish. Add water and combine with a spoon or fork. 5. Add a layer of lasagna noodles. Do not overlap as the noodles will expand overnight. 6. Add rounded spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and spread evenly. 7. Sprinkle about ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer. Top with about 1 cup of meat sauce. Begin a new layer of noodles and repeat as above, ending with remaining meat sauce. Save any remaining mozzarella cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 8. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. 9. Place the covered casserole in a cold oven. Set oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and top with remaining cheese. Return to oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges are bubbly. 10. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes prior to cutting and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 642 calories, Carbohydrate 25 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 172 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 37 grams fat, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 50 grams protein, SaturatedFat 16 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 1585 grams sodium, Sugar 12 grams sugar, TransFat 1 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams unsaturated fat

BEST CLASSIC LASAGNA RECIPE



Best Classic Lasagna Recipe image

The Best Classic Lasagna Recipe - Homemade lasagna full of pasta, ricotta, a homemade meat sauce, and tons of cheese. This is the world's best lasagna recipe!

Provided by Amanda Finks

Categories     Dinner     Entree     Main Course

Time 1h50m

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage
1 medium onion (-chopped)
2 garlic cloves (-minced)
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons salt (-divided)
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (-divided)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves (-divided)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley (-divided)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (-divided)
15 oz. (1 3/4 cups) whole milk Ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (-divided)
1 large egg
12 lasagna noodles

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Make the meat sauce. Add beef and sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until meat is browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the fat from the meat. Return the meat to the skillet.
  • Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon basil, and the black pepper. Stir until well combined. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the minced parsley.
  • As the sauce cooks, make the ricotta mixture. In a large bowl, add 1 cup mozzarella, the ricotta, 1/4 cup parmesan, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon basil. Stir until well incorporated.
  • Cook the pasta al dente, according to it's package directions.
  • Assemble the lasagna. In a 13x9 inch baking dish, add a very thin layer of meat sauce (about 1/4 cup). Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, and 1 1/2 (level) cups of meat sauce. Repeat the layers twice.
  • Add a final layer of the remaining noodles, meat sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup parmesan.
  • Cover with foil that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil. Bake 15 more minutes.
  • Let the lasagna cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /12th of the recipe, Calories 463 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Cholesterol 91 mg, Sodium 1420 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 10 g

CLASSIC ITALIAN LASAGNA



Classic Italian Lasagna image

Assemble a Classic Italian Lasagna with Giada De Laurentiis' recipe from Everyday Italian on Food Network. A homemade bechamel sauce makes a big difference.

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for the lasagna
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk at room temperature
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, recipe follows
Salt and white pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground chuck beef
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 pounds ricotta cheese
3 large eggs
1 pound lasagna sheets, cooked al dente
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3 cups shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bechamel sauce:
  • In a 2-quart pot, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When butter has completely melted, add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to simmer and whisk over medium heat until the sauce is thick, smooth and creamy, about 10 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of wooden spoon. Remove from heat and add the nutmeg and tomato sauce. Stir until well combined and check for seasoning. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
  • In a saute pan, heat extra-virgin olive oil. When almost smoking, add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Brown meat, breaking any large lumps, until it is no longer pink. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat. Set aside and allow to cool completely.
  • In a medium sized bowl, thoroughly mix the ricotta and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Into the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch baking dish, spread 1/3 of the bechamel sauce. Arrange the pasta sheets side by side, covering the bottom of the baking dish. Evenly spread a layer of all the ricotta mixture and then a layer of all the spinach. Arrange another layer of pasta sheets and spread all the ground beef on top. Sprinkle 1/2 the mozzarella cheese on top of the beef. Spread another 1/3 of the bechamel sauce. Arrange the final layer of pasta sheets and top with remaining bechamel, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into 1/4-inch cubes and top lasagna.
  • Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place lasagna dish on top, cover and put on the middle rack of the oven and bake until top is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Remove cover and continue to bake for about 15 minutes.
  • In a large casserole pot or Dutch over, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.
  • Add 1/2 the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.
  • If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6 months.

CLASSIC LASAGNA



Classic Lasagna image

While not a 30-minute meal, this lasagna is quicker and more straightforward than most. If you're in a real time crunch, use your favorite jarred red sauce. For greater success with the lasagna noodles, which have a tendency to stick together, boil them in the largest pot possible or work in batches - they need as much water as possible to move freely so they don't clump. This lasagna can be assembled, baked and refrigerated up to five days ahead, or frozen up to a month ahead if wrapped tightly.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     dinner, weekday, weeknight, casseroles, pastas, main course

Time 2h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or hot (optional), casings removed
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, grated or shredded into small pieces
16 ounces (2 cups) whole milk ricotta
1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling on top (optional)
1/4 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound dried lasagna noodles (not the no-boil variety)
Olive oil

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sausage, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's starting to brown but not yet crisp, about 5 minutes.
  • Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until the tomato paste has turned a deeper brick red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes.
  • Using your hands, crush the whole tomatoes into smaller, bite-size pieces and add them and the crushed tomatoes, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Fill one of the tomato cans halfway with water and add it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Make the lasagna: Heat oven to 375 degrees and set a large pot of salted water to boil.
  • Set aside 1 cup mozzarella. In a medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella, ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan and cream; season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Cook lasagna noodles in the large pot of salted boiling water until just softened (before they are even aldente), about 4 minutes. Drain and separate any noodles that are trying to stick together, slicking them with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking further.
  • Spoon a bit of sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with a layer of noodles, avoiding any heavy overlap.
  • Top with about 1 ¼ cups of sauce, and dollop ¼ of the cheese mixture over. Top with another layer of noodles and repeat three more times, ending with the last of the noodles (depending on size of the noodle/shape of the baking dish, you may have a few extra noodles) and the last of the sauce. Top with reserved 1 cup mozzarella and more Parmesan, if you like.
  • Cover loosely with aluminum foil and place baking dish on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet (to prevent any overflow from burning on the bottom of your oven).
  • Bake until pasta is completely tender and cooked through and sauce is bubbling up around the edges, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and increase temperature to 450 degrees. Continue to bake until lasagna is golden brown on top with frilly, crispy edges and corners, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before eating.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 938, UnsaturatedFat 29 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 44 grams, SaturatedFat 26 grams, Sodium 1333 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams

CLASSIC LASAGNA RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Lasagna Recipe by Tasty image

When layers of cheesy lasagna come together flawlessly, that's amore! Pile on beefy marinara sauce, delicious noodles, and a blend of cheeses, then kick back and let this lasagna do the bakin'. This classic Italian dinner is easy to whip up and even easier to call your go-to comfort food.

Provided by Betsy Carter

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained of fat
4 cups marinara sauce
4 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
15 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instrucions
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Grease a 9 x 13-inch (22 x 33 cm) baking dish lightly with nonstick spray.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and marinara sauce.
  • In a separate large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  • Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 5 cooked lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed to completely cover the sauce. Spread 2 cups of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella to make 2 more layers.
  • Bake the lasagna for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling up through the layers. Turn the broiler to high and broil for 1-2 minutes, until the top layer of cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let the lasagna cool for 30-45 minutes, then serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 946 calories, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 68 grams, Sugar 7 grams

FAMOUS LASAGNA



Famous Lasagna image

From here on, this cozy classic will become Your Famous Lasagna, sure to star at weekend parties and weeknight meals for years to come. The noodles are layered with rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta mixed with bright flecks of fresh parsley, and gooey mozzarella helps keep the whole creation together.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Yield Serves 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
16 lasagna noodles (about 12 ounces, or enough for 4 layers in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish)
2 containers (15 ounces each) part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)
1 large egg
Extra-virgin olive oil, for coating
Basic Meat Sauce
1 pound part-skim mozzarella, coarsely grated (4 cups)
4 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Generously salt water; add noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain, and rinse with cold water. Lay noodles on a baking sheet, separating layers with parchment or waxed paper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, parsley, and egg. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Begin layering: Place 4 noodles in dish, slightly overlapping. Top with half the meat sauce and 4 more noodles. Top with half the ricotta filling, then half the mozzarella. Repeat the layering process, ending with the mozzarella. Sprinkle top with Parmesan.
  • Cover with lightly oiled foil. Place on a rimmed baking sheet; bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, and bake until bubbling and browned, 30 to 40 minutes more. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

WORLD'S BEST LASAGNA



World's Best Lasagna image

It takes a little work, but it is worth it.

Provided by John Chandler

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 3h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
¾ pound lean ground beef
½ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
½ cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.2 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 1400.4 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

CLASSIC LASAGNA



Classic Lasagna image

Make this classic lasagna recipe zestier by using hot Italian sausage or a little milder with regular Italian sausage. Don't be scared off by the long cooking time. The wait is well worth it. It's a great dish to make for a crowd and easy to adjust for varying tastes. The leftovers are even better when reheated the next day.

Provided by Barb R

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

9 lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 (16 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried basil
4 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
3 eggs, beaten
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and olive oil; cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.
  • Cook the ground beef and sausage in a large pot over medium heat; drain. Stir in the mushrooms, garlic salt, oregano, thyme, basil, and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper; simmer 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
  • Ladle enough of the meat sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish to cover the bottom in a thin layer. Form a layer atop the sauce with 3 of the lasagna noodles. Spread about 1/4 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle about 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese mixture and then ladle about 1/3 of the meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering twice more, topping with the remaining 1/4 pound of mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven 90 minutes. Allow to sit 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 646.7 calories, Carbohydrate 31.2 g, Cholesterol 173.5 mg, Fat 41.4 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 38.8 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, Sodium 2027.4 mg, Sugar 9.1 g

CLASSIC LASAGNA



Classic Lasagna image

I make this a lot and serve with Italian garlic bread and salad. It always gets a rave review, especially if the mozzarella strings with every bite. This recipe comes from my mother. I think she got it off the back of a "Mueller's Lasagna box.

Provided by keen5

Categories     Meat

Time 1h50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons salad oil or 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (1 lb) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder (I use real clove garlic, minced)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
4 ounces lasagna noodles
1 lb ricotta cheese
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (I like it cheesey, so I use more)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In large heavy pan lightly brown beef and onion in oil.
  • Add tomatoes, paste, water, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic, pepper, and oregano; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile cook lasagne as directed; drain.
  • In 13x9x2" baking pan, spread about 1 cup sauce.
  • Then alternate layers of lasagne, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesean cheese, ending with sauce, mozzarella and parmesean.
  • Bake at 350 for 40 to 50 minutes until lightly browned and bubbling.
  • Allow to stand for 15 minutes; cut in squares to serve.
  • Makes 8 servings.
  • I make this a lot and serve with Italian garlic bread and salad.
  • It always gets a rave review, especially if the mozzarella strings with every bite.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 506.1, Fat 29.8, SaturatedFat 14.5, Cholesterol 101, Sodium 1453, Carbohydrate 28.1, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 7.3, Protein 33

CLASSIC CHEESE LASAGNA



Classic Cheese Lasagna image

A simple yet robust marinara and a trio of cheeses meld into an intensely flavorful lasagna. A classic, perfected.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound fresh mozzarella
Marinara
Fresh Lasagna Noodles, cut into 4-by-13-inch strips and cooked, or store-bought dried noodles, cooked
5 ounces coarsely grated Parmesan cheese, (about 1 3/4 cups)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine ricotta, egg, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Season with pepper. Coarsely grate 1/2 of the mozzarella, and stir into ricotta mixture. Using your fingers, shred remaining mozzarella into 2-inch strips, and reserve.
  • Spread 1/2 cup marinara in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of noodles over marinara. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over noodles, and sprinkle with 1/3 of the Parmesan. Place a layer of noodles over the cheese layer. Spread 1 cup marinara over noodles. Repeat layering (noodles, marinara, noodles, ricotta mixture, Parmesan) 2 more times. Spread remaining marinara over cheese layer, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
  • Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbling, 45 to 50 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

CLASSIC LASAGNA



Classic Lasagna image

A definite crowd-pleaser, this classic lasagna is thick, rich and meaty with lots of cheese-just the way I like it. Even though my parents were Hungarian, I have a weakness for savory Italian foods like this. -Suzanne Barker, Bellingham, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
1/2 pound ground beef
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon each sugar, dried oregano and basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 cartons (15 ounces each) ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 package (12 ounces) lasagna noodles, cooked, rinsed and drained
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook the sausage, beef, onion, carrot and pepper flakes over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. , Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. , In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and remaining pepper. , In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer a fourth of the noodles, a third of the ricotta mixture, a fourth of the meat sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers twice. Top with the remaining noodles, sauce and Parmesan cheese. , Cover and bake at 400° for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella; bake, uncovered, 10 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 calories, Fat 15g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 636mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

TRADITIONAL LASAGNA



Traditional Lasagna image

My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws-I consider that the highest compliment! -Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h40m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound ground beef
3/4 pound bulk pork sausage
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 cups 4% small-curd cottage cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
6 slices provolone cheese (about 6 ounces)
3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Steps:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble beef and sausage until no longer pink; drain. Add next 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add parsley; stir in cottage cheese, ricotta and Parmesan cheese. , Preheat oven to 375°. Spread 1 cup meat sauce in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles, provolone cheese, 2 cups cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, 3 noodles, 2 cups meat sauce, remaining cottage cheese mixture and 1 cup mozzarella. Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce and mozzarella (dish will be full)., Cover; bake 50 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, about 20 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 503 calories, Fat 27g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 136mg cholesterol, Sodium 1208mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste of your lasagna. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of your lasagna.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses will give your lasagna a rich, flavorful taste.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different variations of lasagna, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. You can add vegetables, different types of meat, or even seafood to your lasagna.
  • Let the lasagna rest before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the lasagna to set. Lasagna is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.

Conclusion:

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by people all over the world. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, so there is sure to be a lasagna recipe that everyone will enjoy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, I encourage you to try making lasagna at home. With a little time and effort, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that will be a hit with your family and friends.

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