If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to impress your family, let me introduce you to my favorite comfort food: lasagna casserole with ricotta! This dish is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s also super simple to make, making it perfect for beginners in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll love how the layers of tender noodles, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce meld together to create an explosion of flavor. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, so clean-up is a breeze! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or prepping for a potluck, this lasagna casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s just as satisfying as traditional lasagna, but way simpler to whip up!
Ingredients List
To make this mouthwatering lasagna casserole with ricotta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (make sure it’s creamy and fresh!)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought works great for saving time)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that extra cheesy goodness)
- 1 egg (this helps bind our ricotta filling)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for that authentic flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set to create a delicious lasagna casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when we’re ready to bake! While that’s happening, let’s cook those lasagna noodles. Follow the package instructions, but I recommend cooking them just until they’re al dente—this means they should still have a little bite to them. If you overcook them, they might turn mushy in the casserole, and nobody wants that! Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside while we whip up the ricotta filling.
Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese, one egg, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and well-combined. This filling is where the magic happens, so if it looks a bit thick, don’t worry! The egg will help it bind nicely when we bake it. Trust me, you’ll want to spread this deliciousness on every layer!
Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time for the fun part—assembly! Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place four lasagna noodles over the sauce, and then spoon half of that dreamy ricotta mixture over the noodles. Next, add another layer of marinara sauce followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process, finishing with noodles on top and a final layer of marinara sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything—this is what makes it all bubbly and golden!
Baking the Casserole
Cover your assembled casserole with foil to keep it moist while it bakes. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown! After it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This little patience will make serving so much easier!
Tips for Success
To ensure your lasagna casserole with ricotta turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, remember to cook your noodles al dente; this means they should still have a little firmness. If you let them get too soft, they’ll turn mushy in the casserole. Also, don’t skip the seasoning! A good pinch of salt and pepper in your ricotta mixture elevates the flavor. If you’re looking for a twist, feel free to mix in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. Want more protein? Cooked ground beef or sausage works beautifully! Lastly, if you’re short on time, go ahead and use store-bought marinara sauce—it’s a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this lasagna casserole with ricotta! For a veggie-packed version, try adding layers of sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also mix in some cooked ground turkey or chicken for a protein boost. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the ricotta mixture for a little kick! If you’re a fan of different cheeses, swap out some mozzarella for provolone or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna casserole with ricotta is a hearty main dish all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides! I love serving it with a fresh, crisp Caesar salad for a nice contrast. Garlic bread is another fantastic option—who can resist dipping it into that rich marinara sauce? For a lighter touch, consider a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These sides complement the flavors perfectly without overwhelming the dish. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for a serving of this delicious lasagna casserole with ricotta. Each slice contains approximately 350 calories, 18g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this lasagna casserole with ricotta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can! No-boil lasagna noodles are a great time-saver. Just layer them directly in the casserole without pre-cooking—make sure to add a little extra marinara sauce to help them cook through perfectly.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If you’re out of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream. Just blend it well to achieve a smooth texture. It’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave—just be sure to cover it to keep it moist!
Can I freeze this lasagna casserole with ricotta?
Definitely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Encourage Reader Interaction
I’d love to hear how your lasagna casserole with ricotta turns out! After you give it a try, please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any fun twists you added. If you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback means the world to me!
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Lasagna Casserole with Ricotta: A Simple 5-Step Recipe!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy lasagna casserole with ricotta cheese, perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of marinara sauce followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with noodles and marinara sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy.
- You can add cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein.
- Feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce to save time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lasagna casserole with ricotta, easy lasagna, vegetarian lasagna
