If there’s one dish that brings families together, it’s a warm, cheesy, and comforting lasagna. This Cheesy Baked Lasagna Bolognese is layered with rich, meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, making it a true comfort food classic.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping, this hearty lasagna is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy layering, you’ll have a delicious homemade lasagna ready to serve in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Meaty, & Flavorful – The Bolognese-style meat sauce gives this lasagna a deep, savory taste.
- Cheesy & Creamy Layers – A perfect balance of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes it ultra cheesy.
- Easy to Make – With simple steps and ingredients, this recipe is great for beginners.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead, freeze it for later, or enjoy leftovers the next day!
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves a classic, baked, cheesy lasagna!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes)
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
I start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, I add the lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions.
After they’re tender, I drain and lay them flat on a plate or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. I drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from being too oily.
3. Add the Marinara Sauce & Seasoning
Next, I stir in:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
I let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a small bowl, I mix:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- A pinch of salt & pepper
This makes the ricotta extra creamy and flavorful.
5. Layer the Lasagna
Now for the fun part—layering! In a 9×13-inch baking dish, I follow this pattern:
1️⃣ A thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom (to prevent sticking).
2️⃣ Three lasagna noodles on top.
3️⃣ Half of the ricotta mixture, spread evenly.
4️⃣ A layer of meat sauce.
5️⃣ A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
I repeat these layers until I use all the ingredients, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan & Bake
I sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top and place the dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
I bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let it Cool & Serve
Once baked, I let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps hold the layers together for perfect slices.
Then, it’s time to dig in and enjoy this cheesy, meaty masterpiece!
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Bolognese
- Use Oven-Ready Noodles – If you’re short on time, skip boiling and use oven-ready lasagna noodles!
- For Extra Flavor – Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Want It Even Cheesier? – Add ½ cup of ricotta cheese to each layer for extra creaminess.
- Make It Meaty – Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or a mix of both for a richer flavor.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – This helps set the layers and prevents a runny lasagna.
What to Serve with Lasagna Bolognese
A classic lasagna deserves the perfect side dishes:
- Garlic Bread – The ultimate side to soak up that delicious sauce!
- Fresh Green Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a healthy touch.
- Red Wine or Sparkling Water – A classic red wine pairing or a refreshing bubbly drink complements this dish perfectly.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready!
Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a delicious meat-free version.
Q: What’s the secret to a really good lasagna?
A: Good quality marinara sauce, a well-seasoned meat mixture, and plenty of cheese! Letting it rest before slicing also helps keep it neat and layered.
Why You Need to Try This Cheesy Lasagna Bolognese
This Cheesy Baked Lasagna Bolognese is comfort food at its best—hearty, flavorful, and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or making a special dinner, this homemade lasagna is a guaranteed winner.
So why wait? Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite lasagna variation? Drop your ideas in the comments below! 🍝❤️
Classic Cheesy Baked Lasagna Bolognese: A Comforting Family Favorite
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of mozzarella, and meat sauce.
- Top with remaining noodles, the last of the meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Leave a Reply