Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe: Easy, Delicious & Homemade

Lasagna is a classic comfort food, and this Ronzoni lasagna recipe makes it easier than ever to enjoy a delicious, homemade version. My mom taught me this recipe, and it’s been a family favorite for years. I’ve tweaked it a bit over time to make it even simpler, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This Ronzoni lasagna recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. For a quicker meal, you might enjoy this 5-minute naan pizza recipe.

Why this Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe is Special

This lasagna recipe is special because it uses readily available Ronzoni lasagna noodles, making it a convenient choice. It’s also super simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Plus, the flavor is amazing and can be easily adapted to your family’s preferences. You can add more vegetables, change the meat, or even make it vegetarian.

Ingredients

This Ronzoni lasagna recipe is broken down into three main parts: the meat sauce, the cheese filling, and the other necessary ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes assembly a breeze!

Meat Sauce Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, turkey, or a plant-based substitute)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Filling Ingredients

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

• 9 Ronzoni lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the baking dish)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment Needed

Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for this Ronzoni lasagna recipe:

Essential Tools

• 9×13 inch baking dish: This is the standard size for lasagna.
• Large pot: For cooking the meat sauce.
• Skillet: If you prefer browning the meat separately before adding it to the sauce.

Helpful Extras

• Colander: For draining the meat if needed.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a great lasagna.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing the cheese filling and other components.
• Whisk: For a smooth ricotta mixture.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This Ronzoni lasagna recipe is easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner. If you’re looking for other easy Italian comfort food recipes, try this easy pastina soup recipe.

Preparing the Meat Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

Making the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. This cheesy mixture is what makes the lasagna so creamy and delicious. For another cheesy dish, try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.

Assembling the Ronzoni Lasagna recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking.
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This is your first layer.
3. Arrange a layer of Ronzoni lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping them slightly if necessary to fit.
4. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
5. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
6. Repeat layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
7. Top with the remaining meat sauce and a final sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Baking and Serving

1. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes covered.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
3. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve. For more information on lasagna, check out this article on lasagna nutrition.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this Ronzoni lasagna recipe and make it your own.

Making Ahead and Freezing

Lasagna is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. For freezing, assemble the unbaked lasagna, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Vegetarian Ronzoni Lasagna recipe

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground meat from the sauce. You can add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, to the sauce for extra flavor and texture. Another option is to use meat substitutes like lentils or crumbled plant-based meat. For a hearty vegetarian soup, check out this tomato Florentine soup recipe.

Adding Vegetables

Boost the nutrition and flavor of your lasagna by adding vegetables! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini are all delicious additions to the meat sauce. You can also add a layer of roasted vegetables, like eggplant or butternut squash, between the noodle layers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite veggies! You can learn more about the benefits of various vegetables at this helpful resource from good food on nutritious vegetables.

FAQ

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about making lasagna.

What is the secret ingredient in lasagne?

There’s no single “secret” ingredient, but a few additions can elevate your lasagna. A splash of red wine in the meat sauce adds depth, while a pinch of nutmeg in the cheese filling gives it a warm, inviting flavor. My grandma always added a little sugar to her sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes – try it!

What are the correct layers for lasagne?

The classic lasagna layering order is: sauce, noodles, cheese, and repeat. Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish, then a layer of noodles, followed by the cheese mixture, and then more sauce. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with a top layer of sauce and cheese.

How to make lasagna more flavorful?

Use high-quality ingredients like fresh herbs, good Parmesan cheese, and flavorful tomatoes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! A little extra oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can make a big difference. Simmering the sauce for a longer time also develops a richer flavor.

How to layer Ronzoni lasagna Recipe?

When layering Ronzoni lasagna noodles, make sure they slightly overlap if needed to fit the dish. This prevents gaps and creates a more solid lasagna. Don’t worry if the noodles aren’t perfectly aligned; they’ll soften and expand during baking. If using no-boil noodles, ensure you have enough sauce for proper cooking.

Serving and Storage

This Ronzoni lasagna recipe is a complete meal in itself, but a few sides can round out the dining experience.

What to Serve with Ronzoni Lasagna recipe?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the rich lasagna. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also classic accompaniments, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, are another healthy and flavorful option.

Storing Leftover Lasagna

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish covered in foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

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