Kraft Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta Cheese: Layered Comfort With Creamy Depth

There’s a reason lasagna remains the ultimate comfort dish—its layers of rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures never fail to satisfy. This version takes it further with a creamy ricotta filling that adds depth to every bite.

The secret lies in balancing the classic elements: tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a velvety cheese mixture. Ricotta brings a light, fluffy contrast to the hearty layers, ensuring each forkful is perfectly comforting without being overly heavy.

Baked until bubbling and golden, this lasagna delivers the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade meal with minimal fuss. The layers meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both hearty and refined.

Perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd, it’s a timeless recipe that always impresses.

Ingredients for Kraft Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta Cheese

Rich layers start with quality ingredients for this comforting baked pasta classic.

The ricotta is non-negotiable for that signature creamy texture. Whole-milk from a trusted brand like BelGioioso or Calabria makes a difference—avoid low-fat versions as they can turn grainy. For the noodles, oven-ready types save time without sacrificing quality. Look for Barilla or De Cecco at most supermarkets. The ground beef should have good marbling (80/20) for rich flavor in every bite.

No ground beef? Ground turkey or Italian sausage (mild or spicy) work well—just drain excess fat. For a vegetarian twist, lentils or crumbled tofu mimic the texture beautifully. Short on marinara? One 28-oz can crushed tomatoes plus Italian seasoning gets you close. The Parmesan can be pre-grated in a pinch, but freshly grated melts better. Baby spinach added to the ricotta layer is a great way to sneak in greens.

Assemble and bake immediately, or refrigerate the unbaked lasagna for up to 24 hours. Leftovers keep 5 days in the fridge and freeze beautifully for 3 months. Reheat covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Kraft Lasagna With Ricotta Cheese

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce Base

Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced 1 whole onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.

Add the 1.5 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and crumbly. Season with 1.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano.

Stir in the minced 4 cloves garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the 3 cups marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 whole large egg, ½ cup of the 1 cup parmesan cheese, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

The egg binds the ricotta, creating a creamy, sliceable layer. Don’t overmix—just ensure everything is evenly incorporated. This layer adds the signature richness that defines a quality lasagna.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 pieces lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed.

Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup of the 3 cups mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, 4 pieces lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and the last 4 pieces lasagna noodles.

Top with the remaining meat sauce, then the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ½ cup parmesan cheese. Cover with foil, tenting slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake covered for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve clean, intact portions. The noodles should be tender, and the cheese fully melted and lightly browned.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic finish that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.

Slice into 6 equal portions and serve warm. Each serving should have distinct layers of noodles, creamy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and melted cheese. The edges will be slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and comforting.

Creative Variations of This kraft lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese

Vegetarian Spin

Swap the 1.5 lb ground beef for 2 cups cooked lentils or 1 lb crumbled firm tofu. Sauté with the same seasonings for a hearty, meat-free version. The lentils add a satisfying texture that holds up beautifully in the layers.

Spicy Kick

Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while simmering for subtle heat. For more punch, layer in ¼ cup diced pepperoni or Italian sausage between the ricotta and noodles. 🌶️

White Sauce Layer

Replace half the marinara with a béchamel sauce made from 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, and 2 cups milk. This French-inspired twist creates an ultra-creamy lasagna that’s both rich and elegant.

Spinach Boost

Mix 2 cups chopped spinach (fresh or thawed frozen) into the ricotta mixture. This adds vibrant color and a nutritional boost without overpowering the dish. I always squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach first.

Pesto Swirl

Add ¼ cup basil pesto to the ricotta layer for a bright, herby flavor. Swirl it through lightly for a marbled effect. This works especially well with a sun-dried tomato addition in the meat sauce. 💚

Breakfast Lasagna

Use sausage or bacon instead of ground beef, and layer in scrambled eggs with the ricotta. Top with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of hot sauce after baking for a brunch-worthy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions