Paula Deen’s Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta Cheese: Layered Italian Comfort

This lasagna delivers the ultimate Italian comfort in every layered bite. The ricotta cheese creates a creamy richness that perfectly balances the hearty meat sauce and tender pasta.

I’ve refined this method to ensure each layer stays distinct yet harmonious, with the ricotta adding a light, slightly sweet contrast to the savory ground beef and tomato sauce. The secret is in the layering order—never skimp on the cheese.

By the time it emerges from the oven, you’ll have a golden, bubbling dish with perfectly melted edges and a tender texture that holds together beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that turns a simple dinner into an event.

Serve it with garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete, satisfying meal. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients for Paula Deen Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta Cheese

Classic Italian comfort starts with these well-chosen ingredients for perfect layers every time.

The ricotta is non-negotiable here—whole milk from a trusted brand like BelGioioso or Galbani gives that signature creamy texture. For the ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio keeps the sauce rich without being greasy. Most supermarkets carry oven-ready noodles (Barilla or De Cecco), which save time without sacrificing texture. The mozzarella should be shredded from a block (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect melt).

No ricotta? Cottage cheese blended smooth works in a pinch, but the texture won’t be identical. Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor. For the marinara, Rao’s or Victoria are top-tier jarred options. The herbs can be fresh—use one-third the amount if substituting (1 tbsp fresh equals 1 tsp dried). Out of Parmesan? Pecorino Romano adds a sharper bite.

Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours—great for make-ahead meals. Leftovers keep 4-5 days in the fridge or freeze for 3 months. Reheat covered to prevent drying out (the cheese melts best this way).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lasagna With Ricotta Cheese

This method ensures perfectly layered lasagna with rich, creamy ricotta and tender noodles.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce Base

Heat the 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 whole Onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Stir frequently to prevent browning.

Add the 1.5 lb Ground Beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned evenly with no pink remaining. Stir in the 4 cloves Garlic Cloves, minced, along with 1 tsp Salt, 0.5 tsp Black Pepper, 1 tsp Dried Basil, and 1 tsp Dried Oregano.

Pour in the 3 cups Marinara Sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. The sauce should thicken slightly but remain pourable.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups Ricotta Cheese with the 1 whole Large Egg. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated—the egg acts as a binder to hold the ricotta together during baking.

This layer adds creaminess and richness to each bite. The texture should be thick but spreadable, like a soft cheesecake batter. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 pieces Lasagna Noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle with ⅔ cup of the 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese and ⅓ cup of the 1 cup Parmesan Cheese.

Repeat with another layer of 4 pieces Lasagna Noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the ricotta mixture. Top with another 4 pieces Lasagna Noodles. Reserve the remaining cheeses for the final layer.

Step 4: Add the Final Cheese Layer and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining 1⅓ cups Mozzarella Cheese and ⅔ cup Parmesan Cheese evenly over the top layer of noodles. The cheese should cover the entire surface for even melting.

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The lasagna is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out hot.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat portions. The cheese will firm up slightly but remain gooey.

Garnish with the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, just before serving. Slice into squares and serve warm, ensuring each portion has a bit of every layer. The flavors deepen as it rests, so this dish tastes even better the next day.

Serving Suggestions for This Recipe

Garlic Bread Pairing

Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. I brush a French baguette with ½ cup melted butter mixed with 3 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of salt, then toast until golden. The buttery crunch complements the lasagna’s richness perfectly. 🥖

Simple Green Salad

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the dish’s richness. Toss 4 cups baby arugula with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and salt and pepper. The peppery greens add a fresh contrast.

Wine Selection

A medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the tomato and cheese flavors. The acidity balances the richness, and the earthy notes complement the herbs in the meat sauce. I always keep a bottle of Banfi Chianti Classico on hand for lasagna night. 🍷

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted zucchini and bell peppers as a lighter side. Toss 2 sliced zucchini and 1 diced bell pepper with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

Dessert Option

Finish with a classic tiramisu or cannoli for an Italian-inspired dessert. The coffee and mascarpone flavors in tiramisu provide a nice contrast to the savory lasagna. I love serving Ladyfinger Savoiardi with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Family-Style Presentation

For a casual gathering, serve the lasagna directly from the dish. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color. This encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy the meal together.

Frequently Asked Questions