Traditional Barilla Lasagna
A hearty, classic Italian lasagna featuring Barilla lasagna noodles layered with a robust, slow-simmered meat sauce, a creamy ricotta blend, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this lasagna delivers comforting flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.
Equipment
- Large Pot: For preparing the meat sauce.
- Deep Skillet: (Optional) For browning the meat.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – For assembling and baking the lasagna.
- Mixing Bowls: One for the ricotta mixture and another for prepping ingredients.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish during part of the baking process.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping onions, garlic, and herbs.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and layering.
- Colander: For draining cooked noodles.
Ingredients
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 6 oz cans tomato paste
- 1 cup water or red wine for added depth
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tbsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembly:
- 12 Barilla lasagna noodles or enough for three even layers
- 3 –4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the lasagna noodles.
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef (and Italian sausage if using). Cook until well browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water (or wine). Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the Barilla lasagna noodles in the boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a lightly greased surface to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 1: Arrange a single layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella, then add another thin layer of meat sauce.
- Layer 2: Repeat with another layer of noodles, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and a little extra Parmesan.
- Final Layer: Top with a final layer of noodles, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Rest & Serve:
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This resting time helps the layers set for easier serving.
- Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (including simmering the sauce and baking the assembled lasagna)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Family-Friendly (contains meat and dairy; not gluten-free)
- Keywords
- Traditional, Barilla, Lasagna, Italian, Pasta, Comfort Food, Hearty, Family Dinner, Classic Recipe
- Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of lasagna)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Notes
Advance Preparation: For enhanced flavor, consider preparing the meat sauce a day ahead; refrigerate overnight, and then bring to room temperature before assembling.
Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Variations:
Meat Variation: Substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant.
Noodle Tip: Use high-quality Barilla lasagna noodles to ensure the best texture and taste.
Seasoning: Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your personal taste preference.
Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Variations:
Meat Variation: Substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant.
Noodle Tip: Use high-quality Barilla lasagna noodles to ensure the best texture and taste.
Seasoning: Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your personal taste preference.