My Kitchen Table Lasagna
Let’s talk about the best lasagna recipe. It is the one shared at the table. This lasagna bolognese with ricotta is mine. I learned it from my Nona. She taught me to use my hands and my heart. I still laugh at that.
Why does this matter? Food is more than eating. It is about bringing people together. A homemade bolognese sauce bubbling on the stove starts that. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Tell me, what smell makes you think of home?
The Heart of the Dish
The secret is the creamy ricotta filling. You mix the ricotta with herbs and cheese. It should feel light and happy. This makes a rich Italian lasagna recipe feel fresh.
*Fun fact*: Adding an egg to the ricotta mix helps it stay together. It makes each slice nice and neat. This little trick changed my how to make lasagna game. Do you have a tiny kitchen trick like that?
Layering with Love
Building your ricotta lasagna is like telling a story. Start with a little sauce so nothing sticks. Then add noodles, ricotta, more sauce, and cheese. Repeat. Pat the top layer down gently. This keeps the cheese from sticking to the foil.
I once made a lasagna with my grandson. We got our layers all mixed up. It baked into a delicious mess! Why does this matter? Because even imperfect food made together is perfect. What was your last happy kitchen mistake?
The Grand Finale
Baking is the magic part. Cover it first so it gets hot and bubbly inside. Then take the foil off. Let the top get golden and wonderful. That last minute under the broiler is key. It gives you that dreamy, crispy cheese top.
This method makes an authentic bolognese lasagna. The wait is hard. But it is so worth it. Your kitchen will smell like a little Italian restaurant. What is your favorite part of waiting for dinner to bake?
Your Turn to Try
This is truly an easy lasagna recipe. It has a few steps, but none are hard. Trust yourself. The noodles do not need to be perfect. Your layers do not need to be even.
The goal is a warm, cheesy dish shared with people you love. That is the real best lasagna recipe. So, will you try this lasagna bolognese this week? I would love to hear how it goes in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry lasagne noodles | 1 lb | |
| Bolognese sauce | 5 cups | |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 lb | Shredded |
| Parmigiano Reggiano | 1 cup | Freshly grated |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 1/4 cup | Use a super creamy brand like Belgioioso |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup | Finely chopped |
| Fresh oregano | 2 teaspoons | Finely chopped |
| Egg | 1 | |
| Parmigiano Reggiano | 2/3 cup | Freshly grated (for ricotta mixture) |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven warm. Heat it to 375 degrees. This cozy heat is the start of your best lasagna recipe. It makes the kitchen feel so welcoming. I always do this first thing.
Step 2: Boil your lasagna noodles in salty water. Cook them just until tender. Then give them a cold bath in a dish. This stops them from sticking together. (Salting the water well is my hard-learned tip for flavor!).
Step 3: Now, make the creamy ricotta filling. Mix all the ricotta ingredients in a bowl. Doesn’t that smell amazing with the fresh herbs? This mix is the heart of a great ricotta lasagna. What’s your favorite herb to smell? Share below!
Step 4: Time to layer your Italian lasagna recipe! Start with homemade bolognese sauce in the dish. Then add noodles, ricotta, more sauce, and cheeses. Repeat until your dish is full. Building an authentic bolognese lasagna is like making a delicious puzzle.
Step 5: Finish with a generous top layer of sauce and cheese. Pat it down gently. This easy lasagna recipe bakes covered, then uncovered. Finally, broil for one perfect minute. Your golden, bubbly lasagna bolognese with ricotta is ready!
Creative Twists
Add a layer of sautéed spinach to the creamy ricotta filling. Try using a mix of Italian sausages in your homemade bolognese sauce. Swap regular noodles for whole wheat in this best lasagna recipe. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve your lasagna bolognese with a simple green salad. Garlic bread is always a happy side. For a fancy touch, add a fresh basil garnish on top. This completes your perfect Italian lasagna recipe night. Which would you choose tonight?
Making Your Lasagna Last
Let’s talk about storing this beautiful lasagna bolognese. Cool it completely first. Then, wrap slices tight or cover the whole dish. It keeps in the fridge for four days. For longer, freeze it. I wrap pieces individually for easy future meals.
I remember my first big lasagna. I put the hot dish right in the fridge! The next day, it was soggy. Now I always let it cool on the counter. This keeps your homemade bolognese sauce and creamy ricotta filling perfect.
Batch cooking this best lasagna recipe matters. It gives your future self a gift. A hot, delicious dinner is ready on a busy night. Reheat slices in the oven covered with foil. This keeps the cheese from burning. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Lasagna Troubles
Even grandmas run into little kitchen problems. First, a watery lasagna. This happens if your sauce is too thin. Just simmer your homemade bolognese sauce a bit longer. It should coat a spoon thickly.
Second, noodles that stick together. I once had a noodle lump! Always stir the pot when you add them. And give them space to swim. Third, a top that won’t brown. Your broiler is your friend. Watch it closely for just one minute.
Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn how ingredients work. It also makes your Italian lasagna recipe taste even better. Every layer will be just right. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best herb combination for ricotta in lasagna?
Fresh basil and oregano are my favorites. They are classic for an authentic bolognese lasagna. Chop them finely. Mix them right into the creamy ricotta filling. This gives a lovely, fresh flavor that bakes beautifully. It’s simple and always tastes just right.
How do you keep ricotta lasagna from being watery?
Make sure your homemade bolognese sauce is not too thin. Simmer it until it’s thick. Also, drain your cooked noodles well. Pat them dry with a towel. A thick sauce and dry noodles make a perfect ricotta lasagna that holds its shape when you slice it.
Can you make herbed ricotta lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Assemble the whole lasagna bolognese with ricotta a day ahead. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before baking. This is a great trick for an easy lasagna recipe for company.
What is a good substitute for ricotta in lasagna?
You can use cottage cheese. Drain it well first. Some folks use a bechamel sauce. That’s a white sauce. It makes a very rich lasagna bolognese. But for me, ricotta gives the best classic texture and flavor.
How many layers should a perfect lasagna have?
Most Italian lasagna recipes have three to four layers of noodles. It depends on your dish depth. Follow the layering in the best lasagna recipe. End with lots of sauce and cheese on top. This gives you that wonderful, cheesy crust everyone loves.
Should you cook lasagna noodles before assembling?
For this how to make lasagna guide, yes. We cook them until al dente. This means they are still a little firm. They will finish cooking in the oven. This prevents a dry or crunchy lasagna. *Fun fact: Some “no-boil” noodles exist, but I like the control of cooking my own.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this lasagna bolognese with ricotta. It fills the house with the best smell. Sharing it with family is my favorite part. Cooking is about love and good food.
I would be so happy to hear from you. Tell me about your cooking adventure. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you. Your stories make my day.
Happy cooking! —Elena Rutherford
Herbed Ricotta Lasagna Perfected
Description
Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta
Ingredients
For the Ricotta Mixture:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Cook the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and then add the pasta, stirring once you add them. Cook them until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain once finished, and place them in a pan or dish filled with cold water.
- Make the ricotta filling. Add all the ricotta ingredients to a bowl and mix together completely.
- Layer the lasagna. Then, start to layer the lasagna in a 9×13 baking dish. First, spread a thin layer of bolognese sauce on the bottom (this prevents the noodles from sticking), then a layer of lasagna noodles (shake off or dry any excess water from them being in the water bath), a thin layer of ricotta spread across the noodles, more bolognese sauce, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano. Repeat the layers with lasagna noodles, ricotta, bolognese, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano until you reach the top. Typically lasagna has four layers, but this depends on the depth and size of your baking dish.
- Final layer. Once you reach the top of the lasagna, do a little bit more of a generous layer with the bolognese and cheese so it’s completely covered. Lightly pat down any cheese that may be poking up so it doesn’t get stuck on the foil when it bakes.
- Bake. Semi-tent the foil, cover the baking dish, and bake covered for 20 minutes and uncovered for 20 minutes. Then broil on high for 1 minute for a brown cheesy top. Slice into 8 pieces, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking for easier slicing.