Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
(Optional) Pour in ¼ cup red wine for deeper flavor and let it reduce.
Let the sauce Cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring from time to time.Stir the ingredients thoroughly using a spoon or whisk. Stir in fresh basil before removing from heat for added freshness.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir in fresh parsley or basil, if using.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
If using classic Ronzoni lasagna noodles, boil according to package instructions (about 8 minutes), then drain and lay on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
If using oven-ready Ronzoni lasagna noodles, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce at the bottom.
Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
Spoon 1 cup of meat sauce over the ricotta layer.
Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan on top.
Repeat this layering process twice more, ending with a final layer of noodles, meat sauce, and cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Serving Size & Yield:
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 large 9x13-inch lasagna
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~450
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Protein: ~30g