Cheese lasagna is classic Italian-inspired comfort food built from layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Without meat in the filling, the combination of tomatoes, herbs, and cheeses becomes the center of the dish.
Creamy ricotta creates soft, rich layers while mozzarella melts beautifully throughout the lasagna. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish, and a simple tomato sauce keeps every layer moist and flavorful.
Baked until bubbling with a golden cheese topping, this lasagna is perfect for Sunday dinner, family gatherings, holidays, or a comforting make-ahead meal.
Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide
Video
Classic Cheese Lasagna with Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan
Make this classic cheese lasagna with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a simple tomato sauce. A comforting vegetarian dinner perfect for family meals, holidays, or making ahead.
Ingredients
Equipment
Oven Baking pans
soup pot with lid
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread some of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by tomato sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used, finishing with tomato sauce, the remaining mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan on top.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm
Nutrition
Notes
Let the lasagna rest before slicing so the layers hold together better.
Whole-milk ricotta gives the filling a richer and creamier texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan adds more flavor than pre-grated varieties.
Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted vegetables for a vegetable cheese lasagna.
The lasagna can be assembled ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when ready to serve.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Whole-milk ricotta gives the filling a richer and creamier texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan adds more flavor than pre-grated varieties.
Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted vegetables for a vegetable cheese lasagna.
The lasagna can be assembled ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when ready to serve.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.