There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy, and flavorful homemade lasagna. If you’re looking for a reliable, delicious, and easy-to-follow recipe, this Barilla lasagna recipe is exactly what you need. With perfectly layered pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish will be the highlight of any dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Barilla Lasagna Recipe
- Authentic Italian flavor: Made with high-quality Barilla pasta, this lasagna delivers a classic, hearty taste.
- Perfect for gatherings: This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or parties.
- Easy to customize: You can modify the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, whether adding more veggies or using a different protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the preparation, gather these simple yet essential ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar Barilla Traditional Pasta Sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lasagna Layers
- 1 box Barilla oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3-4 Barilla oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Barilla Lasagna
- Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes before cutting helps it hold its shape.
- Use high-quality cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and enhances flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
FAQs About Barilla Lasagna Recipe
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready?
Yes! Fresh noodles work well, but you’ll need to boil them briefly before layering.
How do I store leftover lasagna?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Wrap the unbaked or baked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
What sides go well with lasagna?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, and roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more satisfying than a homemade Barilla lasagna recipe filled with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Now, it’s your turn! Have you tried this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments!