Name: Delicious Bolognese Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 30 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; pinch ground nutmeg (optional but recommended); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided; 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup used in recipe); 16 oz shredded whole milk Mozzarella cheese (part skim works as well); 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (remaining for topping); 12 oz box dried oven-ready wavy lasagna noodles; 1 batch bolognese sauce (approximately 5-6 cups, see Quick Meat Sauce recipe below or use store-bought); Additional minced fresh basil; Minced fresh parsley; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild); 1 medium yellow onion, minced; 7 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry red wine (or substitute with equal amount of beef broth); 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 2/3 cup beef broth (reduced sodium preferred); 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 Tbsp dried parsley (optional); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that never fails to impress, you’ve come to the right place. I’m excited to share this Delicious Bolognese Lasagna Recipe that my family has adored for years. It’s rich, cheesy, and layered with a savory bolognese sauce that takes this classic dish to the next level. Stick with me through this recipe—I promise you’ll be rewarded with a lasagna that’s bubbly, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavor Harmony: Combining creamy ricotta, rich mozzarella, and a perfectly seasoned bolognese sauce creates a balanced flavor profile that hits every note.
Oven-Ready Noodles: Using no-boil wavy noodles saves time and keeps your assembly mess-free without sacrificing texture.
Make-Ahead Versatility: Both the bolognese sauce and ricotta mixture can be prepped in advance, making dinner day a breeze.
Perfect Texture Every Time: The two-step bake with foil cover ensures a juicy, bubbly lasagna with a golden, cheesy crust.

Delicious Bolognese Lasagna, Bolognese Lasagna recipe, cheesy lasagna with Bolognese sauce, easy baked lasagna, hearty Italian lasagna - A white rectangular dish filled with lasagna is shown, with one large piece taken out. The lasagna has several visible layers including a rich, dark red meat sauce, pale yellow pasta sheets with ruffled edges, and melted white cheese with a slightly browned top. The meat sauce layer appears thick and textured, while the cheese is spread unevenly and speckled with small green herb bits. A white plate on the side holds a small piece of lasagna, resting on a green leaf, with a silver fork nearby. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth partially visible next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Delicious Bolognese Lasagna Recipe is all about layering luscious textures and boosting flavor with fresh and classic Italian seasonings. The combination of fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and a touch of nutmeg in the ricotta really elevates the creamy layer. I always recommend grabbing whole milk cheeses for that rich, melty goodness.

Delicious Bolognese Lasagna, Bolognese Lasagna recipe, cheesy lasagna with Bolognese sauce, easy baked lasagna, hearty Italian lasagna - Flat lay of a small bowl of whole milk ricotta cheese mixed with dried Italian seasoning, a few fresh basil leaves minced, one large whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a simple white plate with wavy oven-ready lasagna noodles stacked neatly, a generous scoop of rich bolognese sauce in a white ceramic bowl showing visible ground beef, tomato chunks, and herbs, a small white bowl filled with shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of chopped fresh basil, a small white bowl of minced fresh parsley, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk ricotta cheese: It brings creamy richness and mild tang that balances the meatiness of the sauce.
Dried Italian seasoning: Adds a classic herb blend that complements fresh basil perfectly.
Fresh basil: Brightens the dish with a fresh, fragrant note that keeps it from tasting heavy.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning all layers well and enhancing overall flavor.
Ground nutmeg (optional): A pinch lends subtle warmth and depth, a little trick I picked up from nonna’s kitchen.
Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a smooth, sliceable texture.
Shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese: For melty, stringy cheese layers that pull apart just right.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers salty, nutty complexity that gets beautifully golden on top.
Oven-ready wavy lasagna noodles: No boiling needed, these noodles soak up sauce gradually, sealing all the flavors inside.
Bolognese sauce: The star of the show! Homemade is best, but good-quality store-bought works in a pinch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Delicious Bolognese Lasagna Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily make it your own by switching up the cheeses or adjusting seasonings. I often double the fresh basil if I’m craving that herbal punch, and sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Vegetarian option: Replace the bolognese with sautéed lentils and mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat—I tried it on a whim and loved how hearty it felt.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce if you like things a little hotter.
Cheese swap: Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a different melt and flavor profile.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free no-boil noodles—you’ll still get that layered perfection.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Delicious Bolognese Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Make the Herbed Ricotta Mixture

Start by combining the ricotta cheese, dried Italian seasoning, fresh minced basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. Add the beaten egg and half a cup of Parmesan cheese, then stir everything gently until just combined. This mixture adds a creamy, flavorful layer that holds together beautifully without being too heavy. I always set it aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Prepare Your Bolognese Sauce

If you want to make your own (highly recommended), brown your ground beef and Italian sausage with onion and garlic, simmer with crushed tomatoes, wine, and spices, then finish with a splash of cream and fresh basil. My family absolutely adores the richness it adds. For busy nights, a good-quality store-bought bolognese like Rao’s can work wonders—just make sure you have about 5-6 cups ready to layer in this lasagna.

Step 3: Assemble Your Layers Like a Pro

Start by spreading a cup of bolognese sauce on the bottom of your sprayed 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the noodles from sticking. Next, layer 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles (or 3 if your dish is smaller). Spread about one-third of your ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Top with 1 to 1.5 cups of bolognese followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat this layering process two more times.

Finish with a final layer of noodles, about 1 cup of sauce, then sprinkle evenly with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. If you like, add a little dried Italian seasoning on top for an extra herbal boost before baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Cover your lasagna loosely with a sprayed sheet of aluminum foil (spray the foil on the side that will touch the cheese—that’s a tip I picked up to prevent sticking). Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and beautifully golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbly around the edges—a sign that all those incredible layers have cooked through.

Step 5: Let it Rest, Then Serve

Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial because it allows everything to set, so your layers hold without sliding apart. When serving, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh minced basil and parsley on top for color and brightness. This little finishing touch sends the whole dish over the top in flavor and presentation.

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Pro Tips for Making Delicious Bolognese Lasagna Recipe

Don’t Rush the Resting: Letting the lasagna cool a bit after baking makes slicing so much neater and easier.
Spray the Foil Side Down: Spraying the foil side that touches the cheese prevents sticking and saves you from a melted mess.
Layer with Patience: Taking a moment to evenly spread each layer ensures a better texture in every bite—and it just looks prettier!
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better than pre-grated for that beautiful golden crust.

How to Serve Delicious Bolognese Lasagna Recipe

Delicious Bolognese Lasagna, Bolognese Lasagna recipe, cheesy lasagna with Bolognese sauce, easy baked lasagna, hearty Italian lasagna - A close-up of a fork lifting a piece of lasagna showing three distinct layers: the top layer has melted light yellow cheese with some green herb leaves scattered, below that is a thick rich red tomato meat sauce layer with browned ground meat, and at the bottom is creamy yellow lasagna pasta sheets mixed with bits of white ricotta cheese and small green herbs. The lasagna looks soft and juicy with sauce slightly spreading on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh herbs, so I always garnish my lasagna with extra minced fresh basil and parsley. It adds a bright, fresh pop of color and a little herbal lift that balances the richness of the cheese and meat sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often pair this with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette—something light to contrast the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a must to mop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual servings in ramekins or small cast iron skillets—perfect for formal dinners or meal prep. It makes each portion feel like a little indulgence, and the presentation impresses every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My family always has leftovers, and I store them covered tightly in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen overnight making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this lasagna many times—either before baking or after cooking and cooling. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I cover leftovers loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until hot throughout. This method helps maintain that lovely melty cheese texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready ones?

Absolutely! If you use regular dried noodles, boil and drain them before assembly, or soak them in hot water for 20-30 minutes to soften. This ensures they cook properly in the oven and absorb the sauce well.
What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?

No worries. Dried basil works fine in the ricotta mixture and sauce, just use about one-third the amount that fresh calls for, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make the bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making the sauce a day or two ahead lets the flavors deepen. It stores well refrigerated or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent the lasagna from drying out?

Covering the lasagna with foil during the first half of baking traps moisture and prevents drying. Also, using a juicy bolognese sauce ensures there’s enough liquid to keep everything wonderfully tender.

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Bolognese Lasagna Recipe is truly a labor of love and one that I keep returning to whenever I want to impress family or friends with comfort food that feels special yet approachable. It strikes the perfect balance between cheesy indulgence and savory depth. If you try it, you’ll notice the little things that make it shine—like the herbs in the ricotta and that tender, no-fuss noodle layer. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes you want to make again and again. So grab your apron, and I hope this becomes a favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine!