Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta Cheese

Create our timeless classic Beef Lasagna Recipe with creamy ricotta—cheesy, saucy, and bursting with flavor! An effortless recipe for a cozy family dinner or to satisfy a hungry crowd.

Looking for more pasta dishes? Explore our favorites like Baked Spaghetti Pie, Pizza Pasta Bake, or the irresistible Three Cheese Baked Mostaccioli for an easy and delightful meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Dinner

It’s no secret that I like easy meal prep and dinner recipes for make-ahead weeknight meals. When it comes to dinner these days, I love meals that don’t take a lot of work on my part – hello, Cheesy Ravioli Bake. Here are a few more reasons you’ll love this beefy lasagna recipe, too.

• Prepare in Advance: Busy day? No worries! This lasagna lets you get ahead by making it in advance. Just assemble, refrigerate, or freeze for an easy-breezy dinner.
• Freezer Magic: Whether you freeze it before or after baking, this recipe is freezer-friendly. Enjoy homemade lasagna whenever the mood strikes, straight from the freezer!
• Easy Peasy: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this lasagna a no-fuss delight for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• Layers of Goodness: Noodles, meaty sauce, and a cheesy blend create a mouthwatering dish that’s visually appealing and downright satisfying.
• Your Way, Always: Add your favorite herbs or tweak the cheese ratios—this recipe is super flexible, letting you make it just the way you like.

Beef Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

Simple and affordable lasagna ingredients make it easy and convenient to prepare a double batch. Tuck one in the freezer for a filling and wholesome meal on the fly—perfect for crazy busy work days or savory Sunday dinners.

For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Ground Beef – or ground chicken, Italian sausage, or turkey. 
• Garlic Salt & Pepper
• Canned Tomatoes – crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
• Packaged Dry Spaghetti Sauce Mix – I like McCormick’s dry mix with all the seasonings and spices for a savory pasta dish.
• Lasagna Noodles – Prepared according to package directions.
• Ricotta Cheese – A mild, fresh cheese made from whey that blends well with savory Italian pasta dishes. Cottage cheese is also a suitable option.
• Cream Cheese – cubed for easier melting.
• Mozzarella Cheese – low moisture shredded mozzarella divided into thirds.  
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated or shaved is preferred over powdered; divided into thirds.
• Fresh Basil – optional garnish

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How To Make Lasagna With Ricotta Cheese And Ground Beef

Are you ready for a delicious homemade lasagna dinner that the whole family will love? You only need a large pot or Dutch oven, a greased 9×13 glass pan, and aluminum foil.

When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Cook ground meat until it is no longer pink and season with garlic salt and pepper 
2. Stir in canned tomatoes and seasoning packet and simmer covered for 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare lasagna noodles according to the directions, drain, and rinse with cold water.
4. Stir cream cheese into meat sauce until melted, remove from heat, and stir in ricotta cheese.

What Is The Proper Way To Layer Lasagna:

1. Layer 3 or 4 noodles in the bottom of a greased baking dish. (see notes)
2. Spread 1/3 of the cheesy meat sauce over the pasta.
3. Top with 1/3 of mozzarella cheese, then 1/3 of Parmesan cheese. 
4. Repeat the previous steps, adding two more layers.
5. Cover and bake the cheesy beef lasagna in a preheated oven for 30-45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden. Allow the lasagna to set for 15-30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes And Tips

This tried, true, and easy lasagna recipe has been a part of my culinary journey since I first made it in a home economics class when I was 15.

• You can spread about a cup of tomato sauce in the bottom of the pan before laying down the first layer of noodles. This will keep your pasta from sticking.
• You’ll want to make sure the lasagna ingredients are evenly layered throughout. Don’t forget the edges, so you have perfectly balanced flavors in every bite!
• For a more robust, zesty Italian meat sauce, “bloom” the dry seasonings before adding the tomatoes. To bloom, sprinkle the packet over the ground beef as it finishes cooking, stirring over gentle heat until fragrant.  
• Cube the cream cheese right out of the fridge while it is still cold. Let the cubes soften some to make it easier to melt into the beef sauce.
• I usually save enough mozzarella cheese to add a little extra on the top layer, giving it an additional cheesy goodness.
• Let the lasagna have time (at least 15 minutes, ideally 30 minutes) to set up and cool down after baking. Moisture is re-absorbed into the layers for neater portions when serving.

Storing Lasagna

To get the best out of your leftover beef lasagna, make sure it is completely cooled for at least one hour. Let the lasagna cool for at least two hours when freezing a whole pan to serve later.

Wrap or Portion: Cover the entire lasagna dish or cut portions with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing Option: If you want to store a whole pan or individual portions for a more extended period, lasagna freezes well. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date for reference. It can be frozen for 2-3 months.

Thawing and Reheating: If frozen, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, use an oven or microwave, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Adding a bit of moisture, like extra sauce, a spritz of water, or a drizzle of olive oil, can help prevent dryness when reheating lasagna.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your beefy lasagna with a crisp green or simple Italian Salad and my special three-cheese garlic bread; don’t forget the Merlot or Apple Pomegranate Spritzer for a well-rounded Italian meal. 

Make ahead happiness! If your tummy is saying yes to all the cheesy goodness, but your brain is in moderation mode, a No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread recipe is just the answer. Mix up the bread recipe, toss together a refreshing 4-Bean Salad first thing in the morning, and viola! The perfect pairing of baked lasagna, warm fresh bread, and the bright complementing acidity of the salad.    

The whole shebang! Special night or Sunday family dinner? Finish off your featured menu with an authentic Italian-style dessert:

Favorite Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Elegant Honey Panna Cotta

Refreshing Banana Pineapple Italian Ice

Cranberry Orange Biscotti for dipping in a cappuccino!

Originally posted in April 2009. UPDATED February 2024. We spiffed up this post with more information and new photos. No changes were made to the recipe.