Ultimate Comfort Food Lasagna Ricotta

There's something magical about the aroma of lasagna baking in the oven—layers of rich meat sauce bubbling alongside creamy ricotta and golden, melted mozzarella. This Ultimate Comfort Food Lasagna with Ricotta is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, a hearty Italian-American classic that's perfect for cozy family dinners, Sunday gatherings, or any time you crave pure comfort. With a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage simmered in tomato sauce, nestled between tender noodles and three kinds of cheese, every forkful is a warm hug on a plate.

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This recipe strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward. While it requires some layering and a bit of time, the process is straightforward and the results are absolutely worth it. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a robust, flavorful meat sauce that's enhanced by aromatic garlic, herbs, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. The ricotta mixture, enriched with Parmesan, egg, and fresh parsley, adds a luscious creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the hearty meat and stretchy mozzarella.

Ingredients

• Meat Sauce: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 1/2 lb (225 g) Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cheese Mixture: 2 cups (475 g) ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Other: 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil), 3 cups (340 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the noodles

Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions if not using no-boil noodles. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté aromatics

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 4: Brown the meat

Add ground beef and sausage, breaking up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5: Make the meat sauce

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Prepare the cheese mixture

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble the lasagna

Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over noodles, top with 1 cup meat sauce, then sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat twice more, finishing with remaining sauce and mozzarella.

Step 8: Bake

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 9: Rest and serve

Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, let your meat sauce simmer gently to develop deep, rich flavors—the longer it cooks, the better it tastes. If using regular lasagna noodles, slightly undercook them as they'll continue cooking in the oven. When assembling, make sure to spread each layer evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect ratio of noodles, sauce, and cheese. Don't skip the resting time after baking; this allows the layers to set and makes slicing much cleaner. If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the final baking stage.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This lasagna is wonderfully adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a lighter version, substitute part or all of the beef and sausage with ground turkey or chicken. To make a vegetarian lasagna, omit the meat entirely and add sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers to the tomato sauce for a hearty veggie-packed alternative. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try adding fontina or provolone to the mozzarella layer, or use a blend of ricotta and cottage cheese for extra creaminess. For those who prefer a white lasagna, replace the meat sauce with a creamy béchamel and add cooked chicken and vegetables.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Ultimate Comfort Food Lasagna alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate. For a complete Italian-American feast, start with a simple caprese salad or antipasto platter, and finish with tiramisu or panna cotta for dessert. This lasagna pairs beautifully with a robust red wine such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or a medium-bodied Merlot. The dish is substantial enough to stand as the centerpiece of any meal, and leftovers reheat wonderfully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

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This Ultimate Comfort Food Lasagna with Ricotta embodies everything we love about Italian-American cooking—generous portions, bold flavors, and the kind of warmth that turns a meal into a memory. Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a Sunday afternoon or preparing a special dish for guests, this lasagna delivers satisfaction in every layer. The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella creates a harmony of textures and flavors that's simply irresistible. Best of all, it's a dish that rewards you twice: once when you pull that bubbling, golden masterpiece from the oven, and again the next day when those leftovers taste even more incredible. Gather your loved ones, pour the wine, and enjoy this timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Recipe Q&A

→ What kind of meat is used in the sauce?

Ground beef and Italian sausage form the base of the savory meat sauce, providing rich flavor and texture.

→ Can I use no-boil noodles for this dish?

Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles work well and save preparation time by layering directly without pre-cooking.

→ How is the cheese mixture prepared?

Ricotta cheese is combined with an egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper for a smooth, creamy layer.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve this hearty dish with a robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese and a simple green salad for balance.

→ Are there any common substitutions for this dish?

Ground turkey can replace the beef and sausage for a lighter version, or vegetables like spinach and zucchini can be added for a vegetarian variation.