15 Italian Meat Lasagna Recipe Ricotta Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are few dishes that can rival the popularity and deliciousness of a classic meat lasagna. This hearty and comforting meal is a staple in many households, and for good reason. Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and creamy ricotta cheese come together to create a mouth-watering dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will break down the steps to making the perfect Italian meat lasagna with ricotta cheese, so you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting to dabble in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Meat Sauce, Ricotta, Shredded
If you're a fan of hearty and comforting Italian dishes, then you're in for a treat with these top 20 Beer Can Chicken recipes. But let's start off with a classic – lasagna. Layers of tender pasta sheets, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese make for a delicious and satisfying meal. And the best part? It's even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
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Best Vegan Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Sheets, Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic, Large
For our plant-based friends, you don't have to miss out on the lasagna fun. This Best Vegan Lasagna recipe uses tofu and cashews to create a creamy and cheesy texture, paired with classic marinara sauce and veggies. It's so good, even non-vegans will love it!
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SPINACH TURKEY LASAGNA
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Lean Ground Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Carrots
Looking for a healthier version of lasagna? This Spinach Turkey Lasagna uses lean ground turkey and plenty of nutritious spinach, making it a guilt-free indulgence. And with a hearty tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, you won't even miss the extra calories.
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Lasagna Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Italian Sausage, Onions, Garlic Cloves
What happens when you combine two comfort food favorites? Lasagna soup, of course! This recipe takes all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna and turns it into a cozy and warming soup. It's perfect for those chilly nights when you're craving something comforting.
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Spicy Italian Lasagna Roll Ups
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Hot Italian Sausage, Basil Leaf
For a fun twist on traditional lasagna, try these Spicy Italian Lasagna Roll Ups. They are filled with a spicy meat and cheese mixture, rolled up in lasagna noodles, and smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party.
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Easy Lasagna Freezer Meal
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Marinara Sauce
Short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious lasagna? This Easy Lasagna Freezer Meal has got your back. It's a simple and convenient way to have lasagna whenever you want it. Just make a big batch, freeze it, and pop it in the oven whenever a lasagna craving strikes.
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Baked Gnocchi
Main Ingredients: Ground Italian Sausage, Gnocchi, Ricotta, Salt, Fennel
Gnocchi lovers, rejoice! This Baked Gnocchi recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich and flavorful meat sauce and plenty of melted cheese. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that will have you going back for seconds.
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Easy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Ground Beef, Marinara
If you're a fan of both lasagna and ziti, then this Easy Baked Ziti is the perfect marriage of the two. It's all the delicious flavors of lasagna, but with the ease and simplicity of a ziti dish. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover pasta you may have in your pantry.
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White Chicken Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Chicken, Olive Oil, White Onion
For a lighter and creamier twist on traditional lasagna, try this White Chicken Lasagna. It uses a creamy white sauce instead of the classic red sauce, and is filled with tender chicken, spinach, and plenty of gooey cheese. It's a delicious alternative that's sure to become a new favorite.
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“White” Lasagna with Roast Chicken, Spinach, and...
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Egg, Frozen
Another take on a white lasagna, this recipe uses roasted chicken, spinach, and artichokes for a flavorful and filling dish. The creamy white sauce is made with a combination of cream cheese and Greek yogurt, making it a healthier option without sacrificing any flavor.
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Italian Stuffed Shells Freezer Meal
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Italian
Similar to the lasagna freezer meal, this Italian Stuffed Shells recipe is another great option for busy nights. It's a simple and delicious dish that can be made ahead and frozen, then baked whenever you're in need of a quick and satisfying dinner.
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Stuffed Peppers with Ricotta and Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Red Bell Peppers, Ricotta, Egg, Romano, Italian
If you're a fan of stuffed peppers, then you'll love this twist on the classic dish. Stuffed with a mixture of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce, these peppers are a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a different form.
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Lasagna With Meat Sauce
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Breakfast Sausage, Ground Beef
Going back to basics with this recipe, we have a classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. It's everything you love about traditional lasagna – layers of pasta, meaty tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese – without any fancy twists or additions. Sometimes, simple is best.
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The Best Damn Lasagna on Earth!
Main Ingredients: Beef, Pork, Oregano, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
Bold statement, we know. But this recipe truly lives up to its name. It's a traditional lasagna with all the bells and whistles – a rich and flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and plenty of herbs and spices. Give it a try and see for yourself.
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Noodle-less Butternut-Sausage Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Italian Chicken Sausage, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic
For a low-carb option, try this Noodle-less Butternut-Sausage Lasagna. Instead of using pasta, this recipe uses layers of thinly sliced butternut squash, which adds a delicious sweetness to the dish. And with Italian sausage and plenty of cheese, you won't even miss the noodles.
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Manicotti
Main Ingredients: Fresh Spinach, Ricotta, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan
If you're a fan of stuffed pasta, then manicotti is a must-try. These tube-shaped noodles are filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs, and topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and melted cheese. It's a delicious and elegant dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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Vegetable Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Tomato Puree, Tomato Sauce, Red Onion
For all the vegetable lovers out there, this Vegetable Lasagna is a must. It's packed with delicious and nutritious veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers, layered with a tangy tomato sauce and plenty of cheese. Even meat lovers won't be able to resist this one.
Okay, so these aren't exactly a lasagna recipe, but they do use ricotta cheese, and they're too delicious not to include. These Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies with a hint of lemon and a sweet glaze on top. They make the perfect sweet treat to end your lasagna feast.
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Roasted Cauliflower Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Florets, Cauliflower, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Plum
Another low-carb option, this Roasted Cauliflower Lasagna uses thinly sliced roasted cauliflower as a substitute for the pasta sheets. It's a delicious and healthy way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the guilt.
For a truly authentic Italian dessert, try your hand at making these Sfogliatelle pastries. They are flaky and buttery, filled with a creamy and sweet ricotta filling, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. They may take a bit of effort to make, but the end result is well worth it.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Meat
When it comes to choosing the meat for your lasagna, you want to make sure you are using high-quality ingredients. Ground beef or a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage are the most common options for this recipe. Make sure to use lean meat to avoid a greasy finished product.
Tomato Sauce
A good quality tomato sauce is essential for a delicious lasagna. You can either make your own from scratch or use a store-bought sauce. Look for one that is flavorful and not too watery to avoid a soggy lasagna.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a key ingredient in a traditional Italian meat lasagna. It adds a creamy and rich texture to the dish. Look for whole milk ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Assembling the Lasagna
Layering
The key to a perfect lasagna is evenly distributed layers. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles. Next, add a layer of ricotta cheese, spreading it evenly over the noodles. Repeat this process, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Baking
Cover your lasagna with foil and bake it in the oven for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serving
Once your lasagna is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the layers to set and make it easier to cut.
Storing
If you have leftovers, you can store your lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in the oven until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Making a delicious and authentic Italian meat lasagna with ricotta cheese may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it is easier than you think. Follow these tips and you will have a mouth-watering lasagna that will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your delicious creation!
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