Name: Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb dry lasagne noodles; 5 cups bolognese sauce; 1 lb mozzarella, shredded; 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano; 1 1/4 cup ricotta cheese (preferably Belgioioso or another creamy ricotta); 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped; 1 egg; 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a classic Italian comfort dish, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe. This dish is a phenomenal layering of tender lasagna noodles, a luscious ricotta mixture bursting with fresh herbs, rich and hearty Bolognese sauce, and melted Italian cheeses that create a symphony of flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for gathering friends and family around the table to share and savor. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe never fails to impress and delight.

Ingredients You'll Need

This image shows lasagna ingredients arranged on a wooden surface. There are three flat, yellow pasta sheets with ruffled edges on the right side, next to a single brown egg. Below the pasta is a white bowl filled with thick, red meat sauce. To the left of the bowl is a block of hard cheese with a textured rind. Two small gray bowls are visible, one filled with crumbly white cheese and the other with soft white cheese. At the top left, there is a bunch of fresh green basil leaves. Between the basil and pasta sheets, there is a small wooden bowl holding three garlic cloves, and beside it is a small white bowl with chopped green herbs. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe shine is its beautiful simplicity and quality ingredients. Every component plays a distinct role, adding texture, flavor, and that irresistible Italian charm to the dish.

Dry lasagne noodles: The perfect foundation, tender yet firm to hold all the layers together.

Bolognese sauce: Rich and savory, this sauce infuses every bite with meaty, tomatoey goodness.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for easy melting, giving you that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.
Parmigiano Reggiano: Freshly grated for sharp, nutty notes that enhance the flavor complexity.

Ricotta cheese: Choose a creamy brand like Belgioioso for a smooth, luscious filling.
Fresh basil and oregano: Bright herbal accents that elevate the richness of the cheeses and sauce.
Egg: Adds structure and binds the ricotta filling perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse gentle warmth and depth into the ricotta blend.

Salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials that balance and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the lasagna noodles properly is crucial—they should be tender but still have a slight bite to hold up during layering and baking. Once cooked al dente, drain and immediately place them into a cold water bath to stop cooking and prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your noodles stay perfect for layering.

Step 2: Mixing the Ricotta Filling

Next, combine creamy ricotta cheese with fresh basil, oregano, minced garlic, an egg, and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything thoroughly until smooth and well-blended. This mixture adds a velvety and flavorful layer that contrasts beautifully with the robust Bolognese sauce.

Step 3: Layering the Lasagna

Take a 9×13 inch baking dish for this part. Begin with a thin layer of Bolognese sauce to keep the noodles from sticking to the dish. Then, add a layer of noodles (shake off excess water!), spread the ricotta filling evenly over the noodles, cover with more Bolognese sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano. Repeat the layering sequence—pasta, ricotta, sauce, cheeses—until the dish is full. Usually, you’ll end up with about four layers, depending on your dish’s depth.

Step 4: The Final Touch and Baking

Once you reach the top, finish with a generous layer of Bolognese and cheese, making sure it’s fully covered without any cheese poking up too much. Cover the dish with foil, slightly tented to avoid cheese sticking, and bake at 375°F. Start with 20 minutes covered to lock in moisture, then bake uncovered for another 20 minutes to let the top set. To finish, broil on high for just one minute for that perfect golden-brown cheesy crust that makes your lasagna look like it belongs in an Italian trattoria.

How to Serve Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe

A white baking dish holds a freshly baked lasagna cut into nine square pieces. The top layer is browned melted cheese with green chopped herbs sprinkled over it. Below the cheese, thick, rich red tomato sauce with bits of cooked meat and small patches of golden baked cheese peek through. Lasagna noodles form multiple soft, pale yellow layers under the sauce that are visible at the edges. The dish sits on a wooden surface next to a block of hard cheese and a few basil leaves, with a dark gray cloth napkin nearby. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or a few torn oregano leaves right before serving adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh aroma that complements the richness of the dish. A dusting of extra Parmigiano Reggiano on top never hurts either, inspiring that rustic feel.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, serve with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad to contrast the hearty layers of lasagna. Garlic bread, golden and buttery, is another crowd-pleaser that helps soak up every last bit of sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or deep baking dishes to make each plate feel extra special. Drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a few chili flakes or fresh microgreens on top for added flair and a peppery bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded beautifully. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The layers stay tender and the flavors rich, making for a wonderful quick meal later on.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, this Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the fully assembled, unbaked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. For single servings, microwave on medium power for a couple of minutes. Adding a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating can help refresh that melty cheese magic.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this recipe?

Yes, no-boil noodles can be used, but you might want to add a bit more sauce to ensure they soften fully during baking. Keep an eye on the moisture so the final dish isn’t dry.

What is the best way to make Bolognese sauce from scratch?

For a rich Bolognese, slow-cook ground meat with finely chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for a few hours. This develops deep, layered flavors perfect for lasagna.

Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

You could use cottage cheese as a lighter alternative, but authentic ricotta, especially a creamy brand like Belgioioso, gives the best texture and taste for this recipe.

How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together?

After boiling, immediately transfer noodles to cold water to stop cooking, and separate them gently. When layering, shake off excess water to avoid sogginess and sticking.

Is it okay to assemble the lasagna the night before?

Absolutely! Assembling the lasagna a day ahead allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about creating and sharing a Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles around your table. This dish is pure comfort and love, wrapped up in layers of cheesy, saucy, herb-filled deliciousness. I encourage you to try making it soon — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a memorable meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need