Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food—this lasagna casserole with ricotta! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, packed with rich flavors and creamy textures that just make my heart sing. I love how the ricotta adds this luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the marinara sauce. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home too. You’ll be dreaming about it!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious lasagna casserole with ricotta:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, room temperature for easy mixing
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded for that perfect melt
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated for an extra cheesy finish
- 2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or your favorite store-bought brand
- 1 large egg, to help bind the ricotta mixture
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, for that classic flavor
- Salt to taste, to enhance all the flavors
- Pepper to taste, for a little kick
(Make sure to have everything prepped and ready before you start assembling your casserole!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering lasagna casserole with ricotta! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, go ahead and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. I usually add a bit of salt to the boiling water—it really helps enhance the flavor of the noodles!
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set them aside for a moment. Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Next, grab a baking dish and spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom—this helps keep everything nice and moist. Then, layer your first batch of noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, some mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, making sure to finish with noodles and a generous topping of sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Now, it’s time to pop that beauty in the oven! Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Once it’s done, let it cool for about 10 minutes—trust me, this will help everything set up nicely. Now, slice it up and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that comes together in just over an hour.
- The combination of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella creates a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- This lasagna casserole is vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for meatless dinners.
- It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish—just assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready!
- Everyone loves it! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether for family dinners or potlucks.
- Each bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to the layers of marinara and Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my go-to tips to make sure your lasagna casserole with ricotta turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your ricotta and egg to sit out for a bit before mixing. This helps them blend together smoothly and creates that rich, creamy texture.
- Don’t overcook your noodles: Cook them just until al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. This way, you avoid a mushy casserole!
- Layer it right: Be generous with your layers! Make sure you have enough marinara sauce to keep everything moist. You want those flavors to soak into the noodles, creating a delicious blend.
- Add veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in between the layers. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra goodness!
- Let it rest: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the casserole cool for about 10 minutes after baking helps it hold its shape when you slice into it.
- Experiment with cheeses: If you want to mix it up, try adding provolone or goat cheese alongside the ricotta for a different flavor profile!
- Season to taste: Don’t be shy with your seasoning! Taste your ricotta mixture before layering and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preference.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a lasagna casserole that everyone will rave about!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this lasagna casserole with ricotta! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Different Cheeses: Why not mix it up? Try blending ricotta with some creamy goat cheese or tangy feta for a unique twist. You can also use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
- Veggie-Packed: Add in layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can even sneak in some roasted red peppers or artichokes for a pop of flavor and color!
- Meat Lovers: If you’re not strictly vegetarian, consider adding layers of cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken between the layers for a heartier dish.
- Sauce Variations: Swap out the marinara sauce for a homemade pesto or a creamy white sauce for a totally different vibe. You could even go for a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you’re craving a kick!
- Herb Infusions: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. Mixing chopped fresh herbs into your ricotta or sprinkling them between layers can really elevate the flavors!
- Lasagna Roll-Ups: For a fun presentation, consider rolling your noodles with the ricotta mixture and some veggies, then layering them in the baking dish. It’s a playful take on the classic!
Feel free to get creative! The beauty of this lasagna casserole is that it’s super versatile, so you can tailor it to your taste and what you have on hand. Enjoy exploring these variations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious leftovers of your lasagna casserole with ricotta! First things first, make sure the casserole has cooled to room temperature before you store it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things a bit soggy.
To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can transfer it to an airtight container. Your casserole will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-5 days—if it lasts that long! I mean, who can resist diving back into those cheesy layers again and again?
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re reheating straight from the fridge, just pop it in for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. If you’ve got a slice or two, you can microwave it, but I recommend using a microwave-safe plate and covering it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat it on medium power in 1-minute intervals until it’s warmed to your liking!
And remember, lasagna often tastes even better the next day as those flavors have more time to meld together. So, don’t be shy about enjoying those leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the delicious details, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. That said, here’s a typical breakdown for a serving of this scrumptious lasagna casserole with ricotta:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Enjoy this hearty dish knowing it’s not just comforting but also packed with protein and flavor! It’s perfect for a satisfying family meal, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
FAQ Section
Can I make this lasagna casserole with ricotta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake it! It’ll save you time and still taste amazing.
Can I freeze leftovers of the lasagna casserole?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It should keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even a mix of cream cheese and sour cream. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be a bit different, but it can still be delicious!
How do I know when the lasagna casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and bubbly. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out hot, and the layers should be set. Just be careful not to overbake it, or it might dry out!
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re not keeping it strictly vegetarian, feel free to add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken between the layers for a heartier version of this lasagna casserole with ricotta. It’s all about making it your own!
Lasagna Casserole with Ricotta: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious lasagna casserole made with ricotta cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place a layer of noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Repeat layers, ending with noodles and sauce on top.
- Cover with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Let leftovers chill in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lasagna casserole with ricotta, ricotta lasagna, vegetarian lasagna
