Few dishes say “comfort food” like a bubbling tray of homemade lasagna. With its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, lasagna has earned its place as a beloved dinner table favorite across generations. Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a freezer-friendly meal prep option, this classic dish never disappoints.
This Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe is perfect for home cooks who want to create that traditional Italian-American flavor with simple ingredients and a reliable method. Ronzoni®, known for its high-quality pasta, provides the ideal base for this hearty, satisfying recipe. In this post, you’ll learn not only how to make the perfect lasagna but also how to customize it, store it, and make it ahead for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Lasagna
The secret to a great lasagna lies in the quality of your ingredients and the care you take in layering them. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together.
Pasta
- 1 box Ronzoni® Lasagna noodles (you can choose classic or oven-ready)
Tip: If using traditional noodles, boil them to al dente and lay them flat on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking.
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
Optional Additions
- Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Extra grated mozzarella or provolone for a cheesier topping
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Ronzoni Lasagna
Making lasagna from scratch might look intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into easy-to-follow steps. Set aside about an hour for prep and cooking, and you’ll be rewarded with a showstopping meal.
1. Prepare the Noodles
If you’re using traditional Ronzoni® lasagna noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the noodles for about 9–10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain and lay each noodle flat on parchment paper or a lightly oiled baking sheet.
If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step entirely—just make sure your sauce is a little more liquidy to help the noodles cook properly in the oven.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 20–25 minutes to develop flavor, stirring occasionally.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Grated Parmesan
- ½ cup mozzarella
- Chopped parsley
Mix until smooth and creamy. This layer adds a rich, creamy texture to contrast the savory sauce.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat: noodles → ricotta → sauce → mozzarella.
- Top the final noodle layer with remaining sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Optional: Add a little drizzle of olive oil or dots of butter on top for extra richness.
Baking, Resting, and Serving Tips
Now that your lasagna is beautifully layered, it’s time to bake it to perfection.
How to Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil (tent it slightly to prevent cheese from sticking).
- Bake for 25 minutes covered.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely!
Let it Rest:
This is crucial! Let the lasagna rest for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette.
- Add a glass of red wine for the perfect Italian-style meal.
Customizations and Variations
Lasagna is wonderfully versatile. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try experimenting with your own flavors and fillings.
Vegetarian Option:
- Skip the meat and layer in sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Use a marinara or roasted red pepper sauce as your base.
Cheese Lovers’ Dream:
- Add ricotta, provolone, fresh mozzarella, and fontina for a multi-cheese masterpiece.
Spicy Kick:
- Mix red pepper flakes into the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check that your sauce and cheese are gluten-free.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Lasagna is one of the best meals to make in advance or store for leftovers. Here’s how to keep it delicious even after the first night:
To Store:
- Cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
- Assemble lasagna in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it.
- Cover with two layers of foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
To Reheat:
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel).
- For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20–25 minutes).
Final Thoughts: A Ronzoni Lasagna That Feels Like Home
There’s a reason lasagna continues to be a favorite in kitchens across the world—it’s rich, comforting, and brings people together. With this classic Ronzoni lasagna recipe, you get the best of both tradition and convenience, using reliable ingredients that never disappoint.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a Sunday feast, or prepping meals ahead, this lasagna checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and satisfaction. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular on your family’s table.
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Homemade Lasagna – Traditional Lasagna Recipe | Ronzoni® Pasta