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Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Family Favorite Lasagna Recipe is a hearty Italian-American classic featuring layers of creamy herbed ricotta, rich bolognese meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting dinner that feeds a crowd.


Ingredients

Scale

Herbed Ricotta Mixture

  • 30 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Cheeses

  • 16 oz shredded whole milk Mozzarella cheese (part skim will work as well)
  • 1 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Lasagna Assembly

  • 12 oz box dried oven-ready wavy lasagna noodles
  • 5-6 cups bolognese sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Garnish

  • Additional minced fresh basil
  • Minced fresh parsley

Bolognese Sauce (Quick Meat Sauce Option)

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, minced
  • 7 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (or substitute beef broth)
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup beef broth (reduced sodium preferred)
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp dried parsley (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare sauce: Make the bolognese sauce following the provided recipe or use store-bought sauce. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Make herbed ricotta mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, dried Italian seasoning, minced fresh basil, kosher salt, black pepper, nutmeg if using, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and the beaten egg. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Assemble the first layer: Spread about 1 cup of the bolognese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay down 4 lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce. Spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Add 1 to 1.5 cups of bolognese sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  5. Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, bolognese sauce, and Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even spread each time.
  6. Final layer: Add the final 4 noodles, top with about 1 cup bolognese sauce, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of dried Italian seasoning on top.
  7. Cover and bake: Cover the lasagna loosely with a spray-coated sheet of aluminum foil (sprayed side down). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  8. Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted with some golden brown spots.
  9. Rest and garnish: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle additional minced fresh basil and parsley on top before serving hot.

Notes

  • This is an Italian-American adaptation, not authentic Italian lasagna, but a family favorite.
  • Bolognese sauce can be made ahead or frozen for convenience.
  • If using store-bought sauce, use between 5 to 6 cups for this recipe.
  • If using regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready, boil and drain or soak them in hot water for 20-30 minutes before assembling.
  • If your baking dish cannot fit 4 noodles per layer, use 3 noodles per layer instead.
  • Both the sauce and herbed ricotta mixture can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for faster assembly.
  • For the meat sauce, drain excess fat after browning the meat to avoid greasiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg