The Best CLASSIC Lasagna Recipe (with EASY homemade ricotta)

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories while still providing creaminess.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while provolone offers a similar melt.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while grana padano is a less expensive cheese option.

Make fresh ricotta by warming 2,000 grams of whole milk and 200 grams of heavy cream with 15 grams of salt in a 4 quart saucepan over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Once the milk reaches 190°F, remove from heat and stir in 100 grams of white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes to separate curds and whey.

Drain the curds using cheesecloth in a salad spinner for 15 to 20 minutes until firm and creamy.

In a heavy bottom 5 to 6 quart pot, heat 25 to 30 grams of olive oil and 25 to 30 grams of butter.

Add 200 grams of diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.

Stir in 20 grams of minced garlic and a pinch of chili flakes; cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Add 2 cans of crushed tomatoes and 10 grams of salt; simmer for 5 minutes.

Broil 450 grams of ground beef and 230 grams of Italian sausage on a sheet tray for 15 minutes until browned.

Crumble the cooked meat and add it to the tomato sauce; simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened.

Combine the homemade ricotta with 75 grams of grated Parmesan, 100 grams of heavy cream, 5 grams of salt, 2 grams of black pepper, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg; mix well.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and a pinch of sugar if needed.

In a 9x13 baking dish, spread a half cup of meat sauce on the bottom.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens