If you’re searching for the easiest lasagna recipe with ricotta that actually delivers on flavor, look no further—this is the one you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for a busy week, or want a hands-off dinner party dish that wows, this lasagna checks all the boxes.
As a busy mom and home cook who’s been making lasagna for years, I swear by this simple, make-ahead lasagna recipe that takes just 20 minutes of assembly time. The secret? High-quality ingredients like organic, gluten-free Jovial lasagna noodles, rich ricotta, and gooey mozzarella.
Why This Easy Lasagna Works Every Time
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in the morning and bake when ready—perfect for holidays or busy weeknights.
- Family-Favorite Flavor: The ricotta and mozzarella combo creates the ultimate creamy-cheesy bite.
- Cleaner Ingredients: Jovial noodles are organic and naturally gluten-free, so you can feel good about what you’re serving your family.
- Scales Easily: Double or triple the recipe in disposable pans to feed a party or fill your freezer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 package Jovial lasagna noodles (or your favorite brand) – cooked
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup freshly grated aged Parmesan
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- 48 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
How to Make This Easy Lasagna with Ricotta
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Brown the beef.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain if necessary. - Cook the noodles.
Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. You’ll need about 12, but make the whole package—some might break. - Mix the cheeses.
While the beef and noodles cook, stir together ricotta, 3 cups mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, and basil in a bowl.
5. Pour 1 cup sauce in the bottom of your baking dish.
6. Add 3–4 noodles (depending on the width of your dish).
7. Spread half the ricotta mixture, half the beef, and ⅓ of the remaining sauce.
8. Repeat layers.
9. Top with final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella
10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, bake for an additional 10 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes for extra bubbly cheese. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Tips from a Mom of 3 Who’s Made 200+ Lasagnas
- Use Jovial Noodles: They’re gluten-free but don’t compromise on texture. Plus, they soak up flavor beautifully.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let your lasagna sit for at least 10–15 minutes to set properly. This helps with clean slices!
- Make It Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and chill. Bake as directed.
- Batch It Up: Lasagna freezes well! Make extra trays for an easy freezer meal or to bring to family in need.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple Caesar or green salad
- Add some garlic bread or roasted veggies
- Serve alongside a glass of red wine if you’re hosting
Final Thoughts
This easy lasagna recipe with ricotta truly has it all—comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether it’s Christmas dinner, Sunday supper, or a regular Tuesday night, it’s a dish worth sharing. And best of all, when you use wholesome ingredients like organic noodles and fresh cheese, you can feel great about feeding it to your family.
Give it a try and let me know what your crew thinks!
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Easy Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This easy lasagna recipe with ricotta is the ultimate make-ahead meal for busy families or special occasions. Gluten-free Jovial noodles, creamy ricotta, and seasoned beef come together in a cheesy, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 package Jovial lasagna noodles (about 12 noodles needed, but cook full package)
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15 oz ricotta cheese
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3 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
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1/2 cup grated aged Parmesan cheese
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2 large eggs
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1/4 tsp dried basil
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48 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
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In a bowl, mix ricotta, 3 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and dried basil.
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Pour 1 cup marinara sauce into the baking dish.
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Layer 3–4 noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half the beef and ⅓ of the remaining sauce.
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Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, remaining sauce, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, bake 10 more minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, allow lasagna to rest before slicing.
You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead and keep covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
Makes a great freezer meal: Assemble, wrap well, and freeze up to 3 months.
Swap ground beef for turkey or add sautéed spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
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