The Ultimate Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta Beef: A Cheesy Delight You Can’t Resist
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese, all brought together in one hearty dish. This recipe features a flavorful blend of beef and Italian sausage, along with ricotta, cottage cheese, spinach, and a hint of spice. After many tries, I think I’ve found the perfect balance of ingredients to create a lasagna that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for special occasions. Let’s dive into the recipe!
This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.
Ingredients
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make the best lasagna recipe with ricotta and beef:
For the Meat Sauce:
For the Ricotta Mixture:
For the Lasagna Assembly:
Preparing the Meat Sauce
1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, until no pink remains.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
3. Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, then add salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir to combine. Add the spinach directly to the meat mixture and let it wilt.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Crafting the Ricotta Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Mix all ingredients until well combined, creating a thick and creamy filling.
Product Recommendation #1: Electric Cheese Grater
Freshly grated cheese makes a world of difference in homemade dishes like this. I’ve recently started using the Electric Cheese Grater, and it has made grating cheese a breeze. With this grater, you can shred mozzarella, parmesan, or any hard cheese in seconds, making lasagna prep so much faster. It’s compact, easy to clean, and gives you beautifully grated cheese without the hassle.
Check it out on Amazon here! – it’s a kitchen must-have for lasagna lovers!
Assembling the Lasagna
Step 1: Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Layering Instructions:
1. Sauce Base: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. This keeps the noodles from sticking.
2. Layer Noodles: Lay out 3–4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. No-boil noodles work great here and save you time.
3. Ricotta Layer: Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
4. Meat Sauce Layer: Spoon 1/3 of the meat sauce over the ricotta layer, then sprinkle with mozzarella.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat these steps until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan on top. Using the 9x13-inch pan allows for three full layers, which is ideal for a balanced flavor and hearty portions.
Product Recommendation #2: MALACASA Rectangular Lasagna Pan
For a perfectly layered lasagna, I recommend the MALACASA Rectangular Lasagna Pan. This pan is deep, non-stick, and has a wide surface area that makes it easy to create neat, even layers. It’s durable, oven-safe, and makes lasagna night feel extra special!
Get yours here on Amazon – it’s an investment that will serve you for years of lasagna (and other casserole) making!
Crockpot Variation: For the Busy Cook
Short on time? Try making this lasagna in a crockpot for a more hands-off approach. Here’s how to do it:
1. Layer in the Crockpot: Start with a layer of sauce, followed by noodles (break them to fit as needed), ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheese. Repeat until you’ve used all ingredients.
2. Cook on Low: Set the crockpot to low, and cook for 4–6 hours. The slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Finish with Cheese: In the last 30 minutes, add a final sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan for a bubbly top.
Baking Instructions for Oven
If you’re baking in the oven, follow these steps:
1. Cover and Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
2. Uncover and Broil: Remove the foil, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. For an extra-crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes.
3. Let it Rest: Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
Book Recommendation: The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt
For cooking enthusiasts who want to understand the science behind recipes, I recommend "The Food Lab" by J. Kenji López-Alt. This book has helped me perfect many classic dishes, including lasagna, by understanding the “why” behind each step. López-Alt provides deep insights and techniques that elevate everyday cooking.
Get it on Amazon here – a must-read for anyone who loves learning about cooking!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Here’s how I like to serve this lasagna:
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
1. Refrigerate: Cover the lasagna with foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
2. Freeze: Slice the lasagna into individual portions, wrap each one in foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 3 months in the freezer.
3. Reheat: For refrigerated lasagna, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why This is the Best Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta
This lasagna recipe is packed with layers of flavor, from the rich beef and sausage sauce to the creamy ricotta-spinach filling and the golden, melty cheese on top. It’s hearty, cheesy, and everything you want in a comforting meal. Whether you bake it in the oven or cook it in the crockpot, each bite is a taste of cheesy perfection that you’ll be excited to share.
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to dive into the ultimate lasagna experience. Trust me; this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Comments
Post a Comment