Easy recipe for meat lasagna with ricotta cheese

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has been a staple in households worldwide. It is a hearty, comforting dish that can satisfy anyone’s hunger. Meat lasagna, in particular, is a crowd favorite, combining tender meat, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese in one dish. In this recipe, we’ll be adding another cheesy layer with ricotta cheese. Follow along, and we’ll show you how to make a delicious Lasagne al Forno with ricotta cheese that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.

To make meat lasagna with ricotta cheese you need ingredients

For the meat sauce:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

For the ricotta cheese mixture:

• 16 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

For the lasagna:

• 1 lb. lasagna noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Start by making the meat sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, and cook until browned, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the meat sauce is simmering, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
7. Assemble the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, and then a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat the layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese until all of the ingredients are used up. The final layer should be shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Sprinkle the top of the lasagna with grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

This recipe for Meaty Lasagna with ricotta cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. The layers of tender meat, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese create a flavor explosion in every bite. The recipe may seem complex at first, but it is actually quite simple to make. Follow these tips to make the perfect meat lasagna with ricotta cheese every time.

1. Use quality ingredients: The success of this recipe depends on the quality of the ingredients you use. Use high-quality ground beef, Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste for the meat sauce. Fresh herbs and good-quality Parmesan cheese are also essential for the ricotta cheese mixture.
2. Cook the meat sauce slowly: Cooking the meat sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Be patient and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes.
3. Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles: Overcooking the lasagna noodles will result in a mushy and unappetizing dish. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but check them a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. They should be al dente and still have a slight bite to them.
4. Use plenty of cheese: Lasagna is all about the cheese, so don’t be shy about adding plenty of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and become gooey in the oven, creating a delicious cheesy layer.
5. Let the lasagna rest: Letting the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. If you cut into the lasagna too soon, it may be difficult to serve and won’t have the same flavor as a properly rested lasagna.

In addition to being a delicious meal, meat lasagna with ricotta cheese is also a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the lasagna a day or two before you plan to bake it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to let the lasagna come to room temperature before baking, as this will help ensure even cooking.

In conclusion, meat lasagna with ricotta cheese is a classic and comforting dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can make a delicious lasagna that will become a family favorite. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious meat lasagna with ricotta cheese can be?